President Donald Trump has introduced a new immigration programme that offers fast US visas to wealthy foreigners who can pay at least $1 million (about £750,000). The scheme, called the Trump Gold Card, promises a quick path to US citizenship for people who meet all requirements and pass background checks.
Trump announced the launch on social media, saying the Gold Card would help the US keep “valuable talent” and support American companies. The card was first mentioned earlier this year and is designed for people who can show that they will bring a “major benefit” to the United States, according to the official website.
The new plan comes at a time when Washington is increasing its immigration restrictions. The government has raised work visa fees and is deporting more undocumented migrants. The Gold Card is presented as a way to attract wealthy and highly skilled individuals while the overall immigration rules are becoming stricter.
According to the programme’s website, applicants who pay the $1 million fee can receive US residency in “record time.” The fee is meant to prove that the applicant will bring important economic value to the country. In addition to the basic card, a “platinum” version will soon be offered for $5 million. This premium card will include special tax benefits. Businesses that want to sponsor employees for the Gold Card must pay $2 million plus extra charges.
Each applicant may also have to pay additional fees depending on their situation. Everyone must pay a non-refundable processing fee of $15,000 before their application is even reviewed.
The Gold Card plan has been criticised ever since it was first announced in February. Several Democrats argue that it unfairly favours rich people and shuts out hardworking immigrants who cannot afford such high payments.
When Trump first introduced the idea, he compared the Gold Card to the traditional green card, which allows foreigners of many backgrounds to live and work permanently in the US. Green card holders can usually apply for citizenship after five years. But the Gold Card is different: it is aimed mainly at “high-level” professionals. Trump said he wants immigrants who are “productive” and able to create jobs in the US.
Trump also claimed that people willing to pay $5 million will help grow the economy. “They’re going to create jobs,” he said. “It’s going to sell like crazy. It’s a bargain.”
The programme is being launched while the Trump administration continues strong actions on immigration. The US has paused immigration applications from 19 countries, most of which are in Africa and the Middle East, due to the president’s travel ban. The government has also stopped making decisions on asylum requests and plans to review thousands of cases approved during President Joe Biden’s administration.
In September, Trump also signed an order requiring a $100,000 fee for new applicants to the H-1B visa programme, which is used by skilled foreign workers. This created fear among international students and technology companies in the US. The White House later explained that the fee would only apply to new applicants who are still living outside the country.
Published: 11th December 2025
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