WASHINGTON, September 20— President Donald Trump on Friday unveiled a new immigration initiative called the “Gold Card,” a visa pathway designed for wealthy foreigners and individuals of exceptional ability willing to contribute significant sums to the U.S. Treasury.
Under the executive order, individuals may secure expedited visa processing and eventual Green Card eligibility by making a $1 million payment to the Treasury, or $2 million if the application is sponsored by a corporation. According to the administration, the programme is intended both to draw in high-value contributors and generate billions in federal revenue.
“This is going to be a fantastic thing,” Trump said while announcing the order. “We’re taking in hundreds of billions of dollars. The Gold Card will be taking in hundreds of billions of dollars, and companies will be able to keep some people they need. They need people of expertise, great expertise. We’re going to take that money and we’re going to reduce taxes, we’re going to reduce debt.”
The official programme website explained that applicants must pay a nonrefundable processing fee before their case is reviewed. “Once an applicant’s processing fee is received, the process for visa adjudication will take place, assuming applicants submit additional documents in a timely manner,” it noted.
If approved, the applicant “must make a gift of USD 1 million, which has been determined to provide sufficient evidence that the individual will substantially benefit the United States,” the site added. Eligibility also requires that applicants qualify for lawful permanent residence, meet admissibility standards, and apply under an available visa category.
A White House statement clarified that “the Order directs the Secretary of Commerce to deposit the gifts into the Treasury and use them to promote commerce and American industry.” It further described the Gold Card as prioritising access for accomplished entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders who can strengthen the U.S. economy.
The statement also linked the measure to Trump’s longstanding immigration vision: “Early in his second term, President Trump proposed Gold Cards, a vision he is now delivering to attract wealthy investors and entrepreneurs.”
Administration officials said the initiative is expected to both increase certainty for immigrants making significant contributions and inject new resources into the federal budget. “The programme will generate revenue and provide certainty to immigrants who can make significant contributions to the American economy,” the White House noted.
