In a bold overhaul of U.S. immigration policy, President Donald Trump has launched the Trump Gold Card program, offering innovative pathways to U.S. residency for wealthy individuals and corporate-sponsored employees. Announced on September 19, 2025, the initiative, which includes personal, platinum, and corporate options, replaces the EB-5 investment immigration program with a streamlined, high-value contribution model. By requiring significant financial gifts, the program aims to attract global talent and capital, fostering economic growth while prioritizing national interests.
A Tiered Approach to Residency
The Trump Gold Card program introduces three distinct tiers, each designed to cater to different investor profiles while ensuring rigorous vetting by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The initiative, detailed on a dedicated government website, positions the U.S. as a premier destination for high-net-worth individuals and corporations seeking residency benefits.
Trump Gold Card: This entry-level option grants lawful permanent residency to individuals who pay a $15,000 vetting fee and contribute a $1 million financial gift to the U.S. Treasury upon DHS approval. The gift is treated as evidence of exceptional business ability or national benefit, expediting the visa process under existing EB-1 and EB-2 categories. Up to 80,000 Gold Cards are available, offering a fast-track to green card status for successful applicants.
Trump Platinum Card: Targeting ultra-wealthy individuals, this tier requires a $5 million deposit and allows holders to reside in the U.S. for up to 270 days annually without paying taxes on non-U.S. income. Subject to DHS review, the Platinum Card provides tax-advantaged residency, appealing to global investors seeking flexibility and financial benefits.
Trump Corporate Gold Card: Designed for businesses, this option enables corporations to sponsor employees for U.S. residency by paying a non-refundable vetting fee per employee and a $2 million donation upon approval. The program allows sponsors to transfer sponsorship to new employees without additional contributions, subject to an annual maintenance and transfer fee. This flexibility makes it attractive for companies aiming to attract top talent.
Replacing the EB-5 Program
The Gold Card program replaces the EB-5 visa, which previously offered residency through a $800,000 investment tied to job creation. President Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have positioned the new initiative as a more efficient and impactful alternative, raising the financial threshold to ensure only high-value contributors gain entry. Lutnick estimated the program could generate $100 billion for the Treasury, which will be used to promote American industry and reduce federal debt.
Unlike the EB-5, the Gold Card program does not require job creation, instead treating financial contributions as proof of exceptional ability or national benefit. This shift aligns with the administration’s focus on prioritizing economic contributions over traditional immigration metrics, streamlining adjudication while maintaining legal and security standards.
Economic and Political Implications
The Trump Gold Card program reflects a broader strategy to leverage immigration policy for economic gain, aligning with the administration’s unconventional revenue-raising measures, such as new tariffs and corporate revenue stakes. By monetizing residency, the program aims to attract global entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals, positioning the U.S. as a hub for innovation and commerce. Critics, however, argue that the high financial thresholds reinforce inequality, limiting access to the wealthiest applicants.
Legal experts have raised concerns about the program’s implementation, noting that creating a new visa category typically requires Congressional approval. The administration has sidestepped this by leveraging existing EB-1 and EB-2 visa frameworks, though the suspension of other green card categories, as suggested by Lutnick, could face legal challenges. The program’s emphasis on DHS vetting aims to address security concerns, ensuring that only qualified candidates are approved.
Global Comparisons and Future Outlook
The Gold Card initiative draws parallels with investment-based residency programs in countries like Canada and Australia, which offer citizenship or residency for significant financial contributions. By setting a $1 million minimum for individuals and $2 million for corporate sponsorships, the U.S. program is among the most expensive globally, reflecting its focus on high-impact contributors. The Platinum Card’s tax advantages further distinguish it, appealing to ultra-wealthy individuals seeking flexible residency options.
As applications open via the official government portal, trumpcard.gov, the program is expected to attract significant interest from international investors. The administration’s plans to potentially expand the initiative to other visa categories suggest a long-term vision for reshaping U.S. immigration policy. However, the success of the program will depend on its ability to balance economic benefits with public and legal scrutiny.
A New Era for U.S. Immigration
The Trump Gold Card program marks a transformative shift in U.S. immigration policy, prioritizing financial contributions to attract global talent and capital. By offering personal, platinum, and corporate options, the initiative provides flexible pathways to residency while aligning with the administration’s economic goals. As the program rolls out, its impact on the U.S. economy, immigration landscape, and global investment trends will be closely watched, setting the stage for a new chapter in America’s approach to high-value immigration.
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