President Trump Launches Gold Card with $1 Million Fee for Immigration
11th Dec. 2025
President Donald Trump has unveiled a new fast-tracked immigration program on Thursday. It will allow wealthy foreigners to secure US residency for a minimum payment of $1 million USD. The initiative with the brand name “Trump Gold Card” promises what officials describe as an accelerated path to citizenship at a moment when the US is sharply tightening other routes into the country. “Direct path to Citizenship for all qualified and vetted people. SO EXCITING! Our great American Companies can finally keep their invaluable Talent,” Trump said on Truth Social.
Trump Gold Card: Premium Visa with High Fees and Fast Processing
According to the Scheme’s official website, the Gold Card is available to individuals who demonstrate they can provide a “substantial benefit” to the United States. The $1M payment is framed as evidence of that benefit, and applicants must also submit a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee before any review can begins.
Moreover, businesses that hope to sponsor employees face even higher costs, up to $2m, in addition to other administrative charges. Even a “platinum” version of the card, which offers extra tax advantages, is expected to launch soon for $5m.
Although the administration says the scheme is designed to attract “high-level” professionals. On that note, critics argued that “It might make living in the US a luxury that only the world’s rich can afford.” Earlier, Democrats opposed the idea when it was first announced in February 2025. They warned, saying it privileges wealth over fairness.
Can Trump Gold Card Holders Bring Their Family to the US?
According to the website, “Yes. If an individual applicant or corporate sponsor wishes for a spouse or unmarried children (under 21 years old) to join the cardholder in the United States, then each such family member should be included as part of the initial application. This will ensure that these family members receive all of the privileges conferred by the Gold Card Program, including expedited processing. Each family member is subject to an additional $15,000 DHS processing fee and $1 million gift.”
Scheme Launched amid Sweeping Immigration Crackdown
The rollout comes as the Trump administration escalates its broader immigration restrictions. Officials have increased work visa fees, stepped up deportations of undocumented migrants, and paused immigration applications from residents of 19 countries affected by the existing travel ban.
In addition, the government has halted asylum decisions and announced a review of thousands of cases that were approved under former President Joe Biden. The clampdown has generated unrest among foreign workers and students, particularly after Trump signed an order in September to introduce a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applicants. Furthermore, the launch of the scheme triggered widespread concern across the tech sector. Although White House later clarified that the fee would apply only to new applicants abroad.
Even so, Trump has defended the new Gold Card model, comparing it to the long-standing green-card system. Yet he stressed that this scheme targets a very different group. For platinum card, Trump said, “The people that can pay $5m, they’re going to create jobs”. “It’s going to sell like crazy. It’s a bargain”, he concluded. As the administration continues to tighten most immigration channels, the Gold Card offers a contrasting pathway. Though this scheme is exceptionally fast, but as per the price is concern, few can afford it.
Web Resources on the Trump Gold Card
1. TruthSocial.com: Trump Gold Card by Donald Trump
2. TrumpCard.gov: Official site of Trump Gold Card
3. Reuters.com: Trump launches gold card program for expedited visas with a $1 million price tag
4. CNN.com: ‘Trump Gold Card’ launches, offering expedited immigration pathway with a $1 million fee
5. AcademicBlock.com: Top 10 Countries with Golden Visa Programs.