US President Donald Trump has introduced a new visa initiative, the Trump Gold Card program, designed to expedite residency for non-US citizens willing to make a significant financial investment. The program, which was launched recently, allows applicants to secure expedited permission to live and work in the United States for a fee of $15,000 to the Department of Homeland Security, followed by a mandatory contribution of $1 million to qualify for the visa.
The official website for the program, Trumpcard.gov, features an “apply now” button, making it straightforward for potential applicants to initiate the process. Following a thorough background check, individuals who are approved must then make the substantial “contribution,” which is described on the site as a “gift.” This visa is positioned as a more advantageous alternative to the traditional Green Card.
Details of the Gold Card Visa Program
During a press briefing at the White House, Trump characterized the Gold Card as “basically a Green Card, but much better. Much more powerful, a much stronger path.” He emphasized the importance of attracting “great people” to the United States. The program is expected to appeal to individuals seeking a streamlined pathway to residency, albeit at a high financial cost.
According to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, around 10,000 individuals have already registered for the Gold Card during its pre-registration phase, with expectations for that number to grow significantly. “I would expect over time that we’d sell thousands of these cards and raise billions of dollars,” he stated in an interview with Reuters.
Lutnick went on to highlight the economic benefits of the Gold Card program, suggesting that it would attract individuals who could contribute positively to the economy. He contrasted applicants of the Gold Card with “average” Green Card holders, claiming that they typically earn less than the average American and are more likely to rely on public assistance, although he did not provide evidence for this assertion.
Context and Implications of the Program
The introduction of the Gold Card visa program comes amid the Trump administration’s broader efforts to tighten immigration controls, which have included the deportation of hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants and initiatives aimed at reducing legal immigration. The Gold Card is presented as a counterbalance to these measures, serving not only to facilitate immigration for those who can afford it but also to generate revenue for the US Treasury.
In addition to the individual Gold Card, there is also a corporate version of the visa, which allows businesses to expedite visas for employees at a contribution of $2 million per employee. This dual approach aims to cater to both individual applicants and corporations seeking to bring skilled workers into the country.
As the program develops, it remains to be seen how it will impact the landscape of immigration in the United States, especially as the administration continues to grapple with its immigration policies and their economic implications.
