Trump's $1 Million 'Gold Card' Visa Scheme Sparks Debate Amid Immigration Crackdown
Published 10 December 2025
Highlights
- President Donald Trump has introduced a $1 million "Trump Gold Card" visa scheme aimed at wealthy foreigners, promising a fast track to US residency.
- The program, criticized for favoring the wealthy, requires a $15,000 processing fee and offers a "platinum" version for $5 million with tax benefits.
- Businesses sponsoring employees must pay $2 million, with additional fees for visa transfers and maintenance.
- The initiative comes amid a broader immigration crackdown, including increased fees for H-1B visas and halted asylum applications.
- Proceeds from the visa program are intended to fund projects beneficial to the US, according to Trump.
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Rewritten Article
Trump's $1 Million 'Gold Card' Visa Scheme Sparks Debate Amid Immigration Crackdown
President Donald Trump has unveiled a controversial new visa program, the "Trump Gold Card," which offers wealthy foreigners a fast-tracked path to US residency for a $1 million fee. Announced on social media, Trump described the initiative as a "direct path to Citizenship for all qualified and vetted people," emphasizing its potential to retain valuable talent for American companies.
The Gold Card, which promises expedited US residency, requires applicants to pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee and pass a rigorous background check. A "platinum" version, priced at $5 million, will soon be available, offering special tax breaks and allowing holders to spend up to 270 days in the US without being taxed on non-US income.
Business Sponsorship and Additional Fees
Businesses looking to sponsor employees under this scheme must pay $2 million, with a 1% annual maintenance fee and a 5% transfer fee for switching visas between employees. The program has drawn criticism for seemingly contradicting the US's traditional role as a refuge for the hardworking poor, favoring instead those with substantial financial resources.
Amidst Broader Immigration Policies
The launch of the Gold Card comes as the Trump administration intensifies its immigration crackdown, including increased fees for the H-1B visa program and a halt on asylum applications. The administration has also paused immigration from countries affected by the travel ban, primarily in Africa and the Middle East.
Funding National Projects
Trump has stated that proceeds from the Gold Card program will be allocated to projects that benefit the country, projecting that it will generate "many billions of dollars." The initiative is part of a broader strategy to attract wealthy individuals who can contribute significantly to the US economy.
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Scenario Analysis
The introduction of the Trump Gold Card visa program could lead to significant shifts in US immigration policy, prioritizing financial contributions over traditional criteria. Critics argue that this approach may undermine the US's image as a land of opportunity for all, regardless of economic status. If successful, the program could set a precedent for similar initiatives, potentially influencing immigration policies in other countries.
Politically, the scheme may face challenges from those who view it as exacerbating inequality and favoring the wealthy. As the program unfolds, its impact on the US economy and immigration landscape will be closely monitored, with potential adjustments based on public and political response.
President Donald Trump has unveiled a controversial new visa program, the "Trump Gold Card," which offers wealthy foreigners a fast-tracked path to US residency for a $1 million fee. Announced on social media, Trump described the initiative as a "direct path to Citizenship for all qualified and vetted people," emphasizing its potential to retain valuable talent for American companies.
The Gold Card, which promises expedited US residency, requires applicants to pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee and pass a rigorous background check. A "platinum" version, priced at $5 million, will soon be available, offering special tax breaks and allowing holders to spend up to 270 days in the US without being taxed on non-US income.
Business Sponsorship and Additional Fees
Businesses looking to sponsor employees under this scheme must pay $2 million, with a 1% annual maintenance fee and a 5% transfer fee for switching visas between employees. The program has drawn criticism for seemingly contradicting the US's traditional role as a refuge for the hardworking poor, favoring instead those with substantial financial resources.
Amidst Broader Immigration Policies
The launch of the Gold Card comes as the Trump administration intensifies its immigration crackdown, including increased fees for the H-1B visa program and a halt on asylum applications. The administration has also paused immigration from countries affected by the travel ban, primarily in Africa and the Middle East.
Funding National Projects
Trump has stated that proceeds from the Gold Card program will be allocated to projects that benefit the country, projecting that it will generate "many billions of dollars." The initiative is part of a broader strategy to attract wealthy individuals who can contribute significantly to the US economy.
What this might mean
The introduction of the Trump Gold Card visa program could lead to significant shifts in US immigration policy, prioritizing financial contributions over traditional criteria. Critics argue that this approach may undermine the US's image as a land of opportunity for all, regardless of economic status. If successful, the program could set a precedent for similar initiatives, potentially influencing immigration policies in other countries.
Politically, the scheme may face challenges from those who view it as exacerbating inequality and favoring the wealthy. As the program unfolds, its impact on the US economy and immigration landscape will be closely monitored, with potential adjustments based on public and political response.
