U.S. Introduces Fast-Track Residency for Rich Immigrants Under Trump Gold Card

U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday introduced a brand-new immigration program called the “Gold Card.” This initiative is a $1 million visa pathway that promises faster residency and work rights in the United States for wealthy foreigners. The announcement took place in the Oval Office, marking it as one of the most ambitious immigration policies under Trump’s administration.

Replacing Old Visa Categories

During the event, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick explained the details of the program. He said the gold card would replace the EB-1 and EB-2 visa categories. These older categories were traditionally meant for people with exceptional talent, such as top scientists, researchers, and professionals who could contribute greatly to the country. Instead of only focusing on talent, the new gold card will place wealth and investment as the main requirement.

The government plans to start the program with 80,000 visa slots. However, Lutnick hinted that this number could increase in the future. Over time, the program may even replace other visa types, making the gold card the main entry point for wealthy immigrants.

A Plan to Attract Investment

The administration had been working on this idea for months. In fact, back in June, a waiting list was opened for people interested in applying. Lutnick described the gold card as a tool to bring investment into the U.S. economy. According to his estimates, the program could raise $100 billion in revenue. Trump added that the money could help reduce national debt and possibly lower federal taxes, something he has long promised to do.

“We were taking in the bottom quartile,” Lutnick remarked, criticizing the older immigration system. “Now we’re only going to accept extraordinary people at the top, not those competing with American workers.”

Part of a Larger Trump Strategy

The gold card fits into a larger pattern of Trump’s attempts to raise government income through unusual strategies. Since entering office, Trump has:

• Collected billions by raising tariffs on imports.
• Demanded partial revenue from tech companies such as Nvidia.
• Taken government stakes in big corporations like Intel.
• Suggested using profits from university patents for federal income.

The gold card is just the latest step in this wider effort.

How the Gold Card Works

In practice, the gold card will function much like a green card. Holders will be taxed globally, the same way U.S. citizens and permanent residents are. The cost for individuals will be $1 million plus a $15,000 vetting fee. For companies that want to sponsor workers, the price will be even higher at $2 million per person.

Another option being considered is the “Trump Platinum Card.” This would cost $5 million and allow foreigners to live in the U.S. for up to 270 days per year without paying taxes on their overseas income. However, Trump did not mention this version in his speech. Lutnick clarified that such a program would require approval from Congress before it could move forward.

Immigration Crackdowns Continue

The gold card launch also came at a time when the Trump administration is tightening both legal and illegal immigration rules. Alongside stronger action against undocumented migrants, the government has also rolled back humanitarian programs like Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and humanitarian parole.

On the very same day, the administration also introduced a $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visa holders, which is widely used by skilled workers in the tech industry. Officials said this measure is meant to stop “abuse” of the system and to discourage companies from relying too heavily on foreign workers.

Legal Challenges Ahead

While the program may attract wealthy investors, it could also face strong opposition. Immigration experts have already raised concerns that creating a fast-track system for the rich undermines fairness. Many critics argue that this policy gives preference to money over merit, leaving behind talented individuals who may not have the financial resources to apply. Lawsuits challenging the gold card are highly likely in the coming months.

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