One day after announcing sweeping changes to the ESTA program, including enhanced social-media screening and the new requirement to use its dedicated mobile app, the U.S. government today opened the portal trumpcard.gov, officially launching “The Trump Gold Card”, a program offering an accelerated path to permanent residency in exchange for a substantial financial contribution.
The program is built on a simple premise: upon paying a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and, pending an in-depth background review, making a $1 million contribution, applicants become eligible for fast-tracked permanent residency.
“THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT’S TRUMP GOLD CARD IS HERE TODAY! A direct path to Citizenship for all qualified and vetted people. SO EXCITING! Our Great American Companies can finally keep their invaluable Talent,” Donald Trump celebrated on Truth Social.
According to the information published on the site, this status falls under the EB-1 or EB-2 visa categories, which are typically reserved for highly skilled individuals or those providing a “substantial benefit” to the United States. The government frames the financial contribution as a concrete demonstration of this added value.
The application process consists of three steps: submission of the application and initial payment, security vetting by USCIS, and then approval granting the ability to use the card throughout the country.
Benefits designed for businesses as well
“Very excitingly for me and for the country, we’ve just launched the Trump Gold Card… all funds go to the United States Government. It could be a tremendous amount of money… It’s somewhat like a green card, but with big advantages over a green card,” the President explained.
The new program also includes a corporate version: the “Trump Corporate Gold Card.”
For $2 million per employee, plus a $15,000 DHS fee, a company can obtain permanent residency for the employee of its choice.
One key feature promoted is transferability: a company may stop sponsoring one employee and reassign the contribution already paid to another, subject to a 5% transfer fee and a new security screening. An annual 1% fee is also required.
The U.S. administration argues that this mechanism will allow international businesses to “rapidly strengthen their presence in the United States.”
A “Platinum” option in development, featuring lighter tax obligations
The site also mentions a forthcoming “Trump Platinum Card,” currently in a waitlist phase.
With a $5 million contribution, recipients would be allowed to spend up to 270 days per year in the United States without being subject to U.S. taxation on foreign-source income, an advantage not offered under the “Gold Card”.
However, the program will not be available to individuals who have previously been subject to U.S. taxation on non-U.S. income, excluding citizens and certain current tax residents.
Authorities encourage potential applicants to join the waitlist to receive priority processing once the program becomes active.
A structured program for families and taxation
The government confirms that spouses and unmarried children under 21 may be included in the application, though each must separately pay the $15,000 DHS fee and the $1 million contribution.
As with any visa, the “Gold Card” may be revoked for national-security reasons or significant criminal risks.
Unlike the future “Platinum Card”, “Gold Card” holders, as permanent residents, will be fully subject to the U.S. tax system, including taxation of foreign income.
A program already raising questions
The introduction of a visa based on a high financial contribution has immediately drawn attention from observers.
Supporters view it as a way to quickly attract capital and individuals with strong economic potential, while critics question whether U.S. residency is being turned into a financial product.
According to official documents, “the process should take weeks” after receipt of the complete file and payment.
With the launch of the “Trump Gold Card”, the United States enters a new phase of immigration policy, one in which the ability to make a financial contribution becomes a central selection criterion. The debate over the political, economic, and ethical implications is only beginning.
