“My administration is prioritizing immigration policies that serve America’s national interests by ending illegal immigration and welcoming those who can bring clear benefits to our country,” Trump said in the order issued on September 19.
The program, overseen by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, aims to facilitate entry for individuals who demonstrate ability and commit significant financial contributions. The order specifies a $1 million contribution for individuals and $2 million for companies sponsoring employees. The official website, trumpcard.gov, displays two tiers: the “Trump Gold Card” for individuals and the “Trump Gold Card for Business.”
Gold Card holders would gain residency rights at record speed. Sponsored employees would enjoy similar benefits, while the business version also allows the transfer of sponsorship between individuals.
The site additionally lists a “Trump Platinum Card,” priced at $5 million, which grants up to 270 days of U.S. residency without being subject to American taxes on foreign income. However, Trump made no mention of this option in his executive order.
“The important thing is we will welcome extraordinary people into America — and they will pay. We’ll use that money to cut taxes and reduce the national debt,” Trump told reporters, expressing confidence in the program’s success. Legal experts remain uncertain whether U.S. law permits a residency visa program structured in this way. Comparable schemes in other countries often charge less but have had limited success.
The Trump administration also announced plans to raise fees for companies sponsoring foreign workers under the H1B visa program to $100,000, payable over six years. The White House argues this measure will ensure only highly skilled, irreplaceable workers are admitted, thereby protecting U.S. jobs.
The H1B is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. companies to employ foreign professionals in specialized fields, typically for three years, with options for extension or permanent residency.