On September 19, 2025, President Donald Trump unveiled the Trump Gold Card, a new residency program that reshapes U.S. immigration policy. The executive order introduces a system where financial contributions create a direct pathway to lawful permanent residency. The administration has tied the program to a goal of raising over $100 billion for the U.S. Treasury, earmarked for future tax cuts and fiscal priorities.
Trump Gold Card: Pathway to U.S. Residency
The Trump Gold Card residency program targets wealthy individuals seeking a fast-track to permanent U.S. residency. Applicants must make a $1 million contribution, pay a non-refundable processing fee, and pass Department of Homeland Security (DHS) vetting. In return, they are granted lawful permanent resident status, provided they are admissible and a visa number is available.
This card is positioned as proof that the applicant will provide a “substantial benefit” to the United States. However, the DHS retains the authority to revoke the Trump Gold Card if national security, fraud, or other risks are detected.
Key requirements include:
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$1 million contribution to the U.S. Treasury.
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Non-refundable application fee.
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DHS background checks and security vetting.
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Visa availability under EB-1 or EB-2 categories.
Trump Corporate Gold Card for Businesses
In addition to individual applicants, the administration introduced the Trump Corporate Gold Card. This pathway allows corporations to secure residency for employees in exchange for a $2 million contribution per employee.
What makes the Corporate Gold Card distinct is its flexibility. If a sponsored employee leaves the company, the firm can transfer the residency to another worker after paying a transfer fee and undergoing DHS vetting. This transfer feature ensures corporations do not have to make repeated contributions for replacement employees.
Companies must also pay annual maintenance fees for each card, adding a recurring revenue stream to the program.
Trump Platinum Card: A Premium Tier
The White House also announced the Trump Platinum Card, which introduces a new tier of immigration benefits. For a $5 million contribution, vetted applicants can stay in the United States for up to 270 days per year without being subject to U.S. taxation on non-U.S. income.
This offering is designed for global citizens who want extended access to the United States without triggering worldwide tax obligations. The administration has opened a waiting list for Platinum Card applications, signaling strong demand from high-net-worth global residents.
Visa Categories and Legal Structure
Holders of the Trump Gold Card or Corporate Gold Card will be classified under existing EB-1 and EB-2 visa categories. These are typically reserved for individuals of extraordinary ability or those whose work benefits the national interest. By linking contributions to these categories, the administration claims it is ensuring that immigrants deliver tangible benefits to the United States.
The DHS emphasized that applicants must remain compliant with U.S. immigration laws. Failure to meet eligibility requirements or security standards will lead to denial or revocation of status.
Financial Impact of the Trump Gold Card Program
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced that the Trump Gold Card and its corporate version are expected to generate over $100 billion in new revenue. These funds will be used to finance tax cuts and support federal spending priorities.
The program’s financial logic rests on two pillars:
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High-net-worth immigration inflows.
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Corporate contributions tied to workforce mobility.
By prioritizing contributions, the administration positions the Trump Gold Card as both an immigration strategy and a fiscal tool.
H-1B Fee Increase Adds Pressure
Alongside the Gold Card launch, President Trump introduced a steep increase in the H-1B visa application fee, raising it to $100,000. This move is likely to impact employers who depend on foreign talent, especially in technology and healthcare.
The administration argues that the fee increase will encourage firms to hire American workers while limiting the flow of lower-cost foreign labor. Critics contend that the new fee may disrupt industries that rely on specialized international talent.
For more details on current H-1B policies, visit the official U.S. Department of State resources.
Trump Gold Card vs EB-5 Visa
The Trump Gold Card bears similarities to the long-established EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which requires a $800,000 investment in job-creating enterprises. However, there are sharp differences:
| Feature | Trump Gold Card | EB-5 Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Contribution | $1 million to U.S. Treasury | $800,000 to targeted investment projects |
| Processing | DHS vetting, direct residency | USCIS review, conditional residency |
| Corporate Option | Yes ($2M per employee) | No |
| Revocation | DHS discretion | USCIS compliance audits |
The Trump Gold Card centralizes contributions directly into the federal treasury, bypassing private investment channels. This marks a significant policy departure from past programs.
Reactions to the Trump Gold Card
Supporters argue the program strengthens U.S. competitiveness by attracting global wealth. They believe the program can position the United States as a magnet for capital in a tight global market.
Critics, however, label the initiative as “residency for sale.” Immigration advocates argue it creates a two-tiered system that favors the wealthy while imposing stricter barriers on traditional immigration pathways. Legal challenges are expected, particularly regarding equal treatment under existing immigration law.
Implications for Immigration Policy
The program may reshape immigration flows in several ways:
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Increase in wealthy investor applications.
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Decline in traditional skilled worker visas due to higher fees.
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Expansion of corporate-controlled immigration through the Corporate Gold Card.
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Stronger vetting standards tied to national security concerns.
The rollout signals a shift toward financial contribution as a key benchmark for immigration eligibility. This model departs from family reunification and labor-based admissions, historically central to U.S. immigration.
Should You Apply for the Trump Gold Card?
Prospective applicants need to weigh several factors before applying:
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Contribution size and fees.
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Compliance with DHS vetting.
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Potential for revocation if laws change.
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Comparison with alternatives like the EB-5 visa.
Corporate applicants must also calculate long-term costs, including maintenance and transfer fees.
A New Era in U.S. Immigration
The Trump Gold Card residency program highlights a new era in American immigration. It favors direct financial contributions, reshapes visa categories, and raises costs for non-investor applicants. While its economic benefits remain uncertain, its political and social impact will be profound.
Navigating U.S. immigration is more complex than ever. Programs like the Trump Gold Card present opportunities but also legal risks. Applicants should not act without guidance. Maple Crest Immigration Law helps individuals and corporations develop effective strategies, avoid costly mistakes, and secure their U.S. immigration future. Contact Maple Crest Immigration today for expert consultation.
