US President Donald Trump has introduced a controversial visa program known as the Trump Gold Card, aimed at providing a costly pathway for non-US citizens to gain expedited residency in the United States. The initiative, launched through the website Trumpcard.gov, allows applicants to pay a fee of $15,000 to the Department of Homeland Security for expedited processing. Following a background check, individuals must also make a substantial contribution of $1 million to secure a visa, akin to a Green Card, which grants them the right to live and work in the country.
“This is basically a Green Card, but much better. Much more powerful, a much stronger path,” Trump stated during a press briefing at the White House. He emphasized the significance of the program, describing it as a valuable opportunity for “great people” seeking to enter the United States.
High Expectations for Participation
During a pre-registration period, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reported that approximately 10,000 individuals had already signed up for the Gold Card. He projected that the program would attract thousands more participants over time, estimating that it could generate “billions of dollars” for the US Treasury.
Lutnick asserted that the Gold Card initiative would attract individuals who could positively impact the economy. He contrasted potential Gold Card holders with “average” Green Card recipients, claiming that the latter typically earn less than average Americans and are more likely to rely on public assistance. However, he did not provide any evidence to support this claim.
The Trump administration has faced criticism for its strict immigration policies, which have included the deportation of hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants and measures designed to deter legal immigration. The introduction of the Gold Card program appears to serve as a counterbalance to these policies, aiming to generate revenue for the government while attracting foreign talent.
Corporate Version of the Gold Card
In addition to individual applications, the Trump Gold Card program includes a corporate version that allows businesses to secure expedited visas for employees at a cost of $2 million per employee. This aspect of the program is intended to facilitate the entry of skilled workers into the US workforce, further aligning with Trump’s broader economic agenda.
As the program unfolds, it remains to be seen how these measures will impact the immigration landscape in the United States and whether the anticipated financial gains will materialize. The Trump Gold Card initiative represents a significant shift in immigration strategy, focusing on financial contribution as a key criterion for entry into the country.
