Former United States President Donald Trump has announced a radical new immigration initiative aimed at attracting affluent foreign nationals to the country. The program, dubbed the 'Trump Gold Card,' offers a pathway to permanent residency for individuals willing to invest a minimum of $1 million.
What is the Trump Gold Card Program?
Unveiling the scheme, Trump positioned it as a premium alternative to the standard green card, which he described as "the green card on steroids." He emphasised that the program is specifically designed for high-level professionals who can demonstrate they will provide a "substantial benefit" to the United States. The former President framed it as a move to prioritise talent and revenue over what he criticised as the Biden administration's approach to mass migration.
Trump claimed that under the current administration, around 25 million people had entered the US, including what he characterised as undesirable elements. In contrast, his Gold Card scheme would ensure that incoming individuals are "productive" and financially substantial contributors.
Financial Tiers and Key Provisions
The program features a multi-tiered financial structure:
- Base Tier (Gold Card): Requires a minimum investment of $1 million from the applicant for permanent residency.
- Corporate Sponsorship: Companies wishing to sponsor a worker under this scheme must pay $2 million, along with other potential charges.
- Platinum Tier: A higher-level option costing $5 million will offer preferential tax treatment to the holder.
All applicants must first submit a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee. Further payments to the US government may be required based on individual cases. A significant provision of the plan allows top graduates from elite US universities to remain and work for American companies, a move Trump said would help retain the best global talent within the country's economy.
Context and Potential Impact
This announcement aligns with Trump's broader, hardline stance on immigration, which has historically included crackdowns on illegal border crossings and policies that discourage broader legal immigration. However, the Gold Card program represents a distinct channel focused on wealth and high skill.
According to Trump, the initiative serves a dual purpose: generating significant revenue for the US Treasury and securing top-tier talent for American businesses. He suggested that the high cost would naturally filter applicants, ensuring only those who can offer substantial economic value gain entry.
The program starkly contrasts with the standard green card process, which does not have a blanket investment requirement and offers a path to citizenship after five years for immigrants across all income levels. The 'Trump Gold Card' reframes permanent residency as a premium, investment-driven product, potentially reshaping perceptions of US immigration policy for the wealthy and highly skilled.
