What the New Program Offers: Residency, Citizenship Path, and a Price Tag
Trump Gold Card — the new visa scheme announced today — allows foreigners to obtain U.S. permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship by paying US $1 million (or $2 million if a corporation sponsors them).
A White House-launched “apply” portal is live, and the plan is being pitched as more powerful than a standard green-card — aimed at attracting top global talent while generating revenue for the U.S. government.
How It’s Different From the Old Investor-Visa (EB-5)
- The older visa scheme for investors required job creation and other conditions. The Gold Card replaces that, giving a direct financial-investment route to residency.
- Under this new plan, no explicit job-creation requirement was announced. The government frames it as offering “green card privileges plus” — a faster, simpler residency path.
Who It’s Meant For — And How It’s Positioned
- Foreign individuals willing to pay US $1 million
- Corporations can also sponsor foreign-born employees by paying $2 million per person.
- The scheme is being promoted as a way for U.S. firms to retain top global graduates and skilled workers — bypassing more restrictive visa routes.
What’s Not Yet Clear / What to Watch
- The plan has been rolled out through executive decision, but critics say immigration law — especially citizenship and visa categories — traditionally falls under legislative (Congress) domain.
- Key details — such as limits on number of cards, exact requirements, tax or residency conditions — remain uncertain or unannounced publicly.
- The program has drawn scrutiny over whether it effectively “sells” residency and citizenship — a departure from merit- or employment-based immigration.
