A sweeping new immigration initiative from the White House is set to reshape how wealthy investors, skilled professionals, and international graduates pursue residency in the United States. President Donald Trump on Wednesday introduced the “Trump Gold Card,” a program that establishes an expedited pathway to U.S. residency through a combination of financial contributions, background checks, and streamlined vetting. The initiative, framed by officials as a major shift toward an immigration model focused on investment and economic benefit, was launched through a dedicated federal website and includes contribution tiers reaching as high as $5 million.
Unveiled through trumpcard.gov, the Trump Gold Card requires a $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security, coupled with a minimum $1 million contribution for individuals seeking residency. The payment is labeled as a “gift” within the program’s structure. Corporations pursuing Gold Card residency options must contribute $2 million, while the program offers platinum tiers up to $5 million for faster processing or other enhanced benefits. According to Trump, who announced the initiative during the official launch, the goal is to “bring the best and brightest,” while criticizing previous immigration systems for favoring “low-skilled migration.”
White House officials described the program as a merit-based framework designed to bolster the U.S. economy by attracting investment and specialized talent. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that the initiative is expected to inject billions into infrastructure and stimulate job creation, with applications now open online and approvals anticipated “in record time” for candidates who pass the required security screenings. Eligibility centers on professionals, investors, and individuals demonstrating economic value, and the program relies on what officials describe as rigorous background checks to safeguard national security.
The Gold Card builds on aspects of the longstanding EB-5 investor visa program but offers a more streamlined process for qualified participants. This includes global graduates and corporate entities, who White House officials say stand to benefit from simplified procedures compared to conventional immigration routes. The initiative stems from executive actions taken in September 2025, which formalized the Gold Card as part of Trump’s broader immigration reforms. Those reforms have included temporary pauses on certain visa categories and reviews involving green card holders from select countries.
Immigration advocates and critics have raised concerns over whether the Gold Card system may create a “pay-to-play” model that advantages wealthy applicants while excluding talented individuals from low-income backgrounds. Some argue that the high contribution requirements could limit access for skilled migrants from developing nations. Legal experts have further noted that although the Gold Card grants expedited residency, it does not provide automatic citizenship; recipients must still complete the naturalization process.
Despite the criticism, supporters contend the program modernizes and strengthens the investor-residency model by generating revenue for federal initiatives without raising taxes. DHS officials estimate that thousands of applications may be submitted during the program’s first year, with proceeds directed toward border security and infrastructure priorities. No formal cap on the number of Gold Cards has been set, and the administration intends to conduct annual reviews to assess economic outcomes and adjust the program as needed.
International response has been mixed. Business leaders have welcomed the potential for greater mobility and investment opportunities, while some foreign governments have expressed reluctance, citing concerns over talent loss. Congressional oversight committees are monitoring the rollout, and some Democratic members have already called for increased transparency over how funds from the program will be allocated.
The Trump administration plans to host a series of informational webinars next month to guide potential applicants through the requirements. As debate over immigration reform continues, the Trump Gold Card represents one of the administration’s most significant moves toward a selective, investment-centered approach to U.S. residency.
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