President Donald Trump has introduced the official website for the "Trump Gold Card," a novel immigration initiative enabling affluent foreigners to secure U.S. residency in exchange for a $1 million investment.
As reported by the British newspaper The Guardian, this program provides a streamlined path to legal residency for applicants who pay the necessary fee, pass a background check, and submit a $15,000 processing charge to the Department of Homeland Security.
On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump hailed the website's launch, describing it as "a direct pathway to citizenship for all qualified and verified individuals." He asserted that this initiative would empower American companies to "retain their most valuable talent."
Additionally, the program offers a "Platinum Card" version, priced at $5 million, allowing holders to stay in the U.S. for up to 270 days annually without paying taxes on income earned abroad.
Companies wishing to sponsor foreign employees must pay $2 million per visa, along with an annual maintenance fee of 1% of the investment's value ($20,000) and a 5% fee ($100,000) should they need to transfer the visa to another worker.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that "under this historic initiative, individuals and corporations contributing one or two million dollars will receive expedited residency following a rigorous verification process."
Trump elaborated that the funds collected will be deposited "into an account for positive national projects," predicting that the program will generate "billions of dollars" for the U.S. economy.
The president defended the measure by arguing that the United States should attract "successful people who want to come, invest, spend money, and pay taxes, rather than crossing the borders illegally."
Established through an executive order signed in September, the program emerges amid a backdrop of stricter immigration policies and mass deportations.
Critics, as cited by The Guardian, have warned that the plan contradicts the nation's longstanding image as a destination for migrant workers and favors the wealthy.
The initial proposal, unveiled in February, had a minimum cost of $5 million, but the administration decided to lower it to $1 million to make it more competitive with other international programs.
In countries like New Zealand or Portugal, investment-based residency ranges from $2 to $3 million.
The launch of the "Trump Gold Card" website marks a significant step in rolling out this immigration program, designed as a fast track to U.S. entry for those able to afford a substantial investment.
Trump had previously announced the initiative as a strategy to "attract the best," highlighting the legal residency offer in exchange for $1 million and basic requirements like background checks.
Since its inception, the Gold Card has sparked controversy both domestically and internationally. The program has been criticized for providing "immigration privileges" solely to those who can afford it, while enforcing stricter deportation policies for resource-limited migrants.
Although the Trump administration has championed the measure as a way to boost the economy, human rights organizations warn that it exacerbates inequality in residency access.
Despite the criticisms, the program has garnered significant interest. Previous reports indicate that over 70,000 individuals have inquired about obtaining the Gold Card, primarily from Latin America, Asia, and Eastern Europe.
However, the same report noted that the program faces at least four legal challenges, accusing it of violating constitutional principles of equal treatment in immigration laws.
FAQs about the Trump Gold Card Program
What is the Trump Gold Card?
The Trump Gold Card is an immigration initiative that offers U.S. residency to wealthy foreigners who invest $1 million in the country.
How does the Platinum Card differ from the Gold Card?
The Platinum Card, priced at $5 million, allows holders to spend up to 270 days in the U.S. annually without paying taxes on foreign-earned income.
What are the requirements for companies sponsoring foreign employees?
Companies must pay $2 million per visa, plus an annual maintenance fee and a 5% fee if transferring the visa to another worker.
Why has the Trump Gold Card faced criticism?
Critics argue that it favors wealthy individuals and contradicts the U.S.'s historical image as open to migrant workers, while enforcing stricter deportation policies for those without resources.