The Trump administration has officially launched the Gold Card visa program, a fast-track immigration pathway for wealthy foreign nationals willing to contribute 1 million USD to the US government. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to raise federal revenue and reshape legal immigration policy.
The Gold Card visa offers eligible applicants the opportunity to live and work in the United States through an expedited process. While it remains unclear whether this program replaces the existing EB-5 investor visa or introduces a new visa category, legal experts have noted that creating a new visa type would require congressional approval.
Who Can Apply?
- Individual Applicants:Must contribute an unrestricted gift of 1 million USD to the Department of Commerce.
- Corporate Sponsors:Must contribute 2 million USD on behalf of an individual applicant.
- Fund Utilization:Contributions will be deposited into a dedicated fund to promote US commerce and industry.
Applicants who meet the financial criteria may be considered eligible for:
- EB-1 visas for individuals with extraordinary ability.
- EB-2 visas with a national interest waiver.
- Expedited adjudication of visa applications and adjustment of status.
The administration began promoting the program earlier in the year, including launching a waiting list in June for interested applicants.
Future Visa Concepts
The administration is reportedly considering a “Trump Platinum Card” visa, priced at 5 million USD, which would allow holders to stay in the US for up to 270 days without being taxed on foreign income. However, this proposal was not formally announced.
The Gold Card rollout coincides with broader immigration reforms, including:
- A new USD 100,000 fee for H-1B visa applicants
- Restrictions on Temporary Protected Status and humanitarian parole
- Increased scrutiny of legal immigration pathways
Legal experts caution that the Gold Card may face constitutional and procedural challenges, particularly around fairness and bypassing existing visa queues.
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