US President Donald Trump has officially launched his long-anticipated “Gold Card” program—an immigration pathway offering legal residency and a route to US citizenship for individuals willing to pay the $1 million fee.
The government portal, Trumpcard.gov, which features an “Apply Now” option, allows prospective applicants to submit a $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security for expedited review. After completing the vetting and background checks, applicants must then make a $1 million “contribution” — described on the site as a “gift” — to receive the visa. The card functions similarly to a Green Card, granting recipients the right to live and work in the United States.
“Basically, it’s a Green Card, but much better — much more powerful, a much stronger path,” Trump said during a White House briefing. “A path is a big deal. Have to be great people.”
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick revealed that approximately 10,000 people had already pre-registered for the program and anticipated demand to grow significantly. “I would expect over time that we’d sell thousands of these cards and raise billions — billions of dollars,” Lutnick told Reuters.
According to Lutnick, the Gold Card will attract high-income individuals who will positively contribute to the US economy. He contrasted this with “average” Green Card holders, claiming they earn less than the typical American and are more likely to rely on public assistance — though he offered no evidence to support the claim.
The initiative comes as the Trump administration continues its aggressive immigration crackdown, which includes mass deportations and tightened legal immigration channels. The Gold Card program effectively serves as a revenue-generating counterweight, echoing the president’s past comments about using tariffs to strengthen the US Treasury.
Lutnick also announced a corporate tier of the program, allowing companies to fast-track visas for selected employees at a cost of $2 million per worker.
