The Trump administration introduced a ‘Gold Card’ last week, which provides “U.S. residency in record time” after successful background checks as well as “citizenship for all qualified and vetted people.” In exchange, applicants must make “a contribution of $1 million” and pay at least $15,000 to the DHS as a processing fee, according to the official White House webpage.
THE TRUMP GOLD CARD.
Unlock life in America. https://t.co/ui2ZkkdxEH pic.twitter.com/7pxuVvnC6z
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 10, 2025
The official website also lists an upcoming ‘Trump Platinum Card,’ which is already operating a waitlist for foreign nationals willing to pay at least $15,000 to the DHS in processing fees and a $5 million contribution. This card, in addition to allowing a stay of up to 270 days in the US, would also provide complete exemption for US taxes on non-US incomes.
“Basically, it’s a Green Card, but much better. Much more powerful, a much stronger path,” Trump told reporters at the White House last week.
Citizenship for the Rich
Trump’s main idea is to create a citizenship form that rewards talent and success. “Our Great American Companies can finally keep their invaluable Talent,” Trump said on social media last week.
Additionally, businesses can apply for a “corporate gold card” for $2 million to sponsor employees. The opportunity is only available to those who can demonstrate they can provide the US a “substantial benefit,” specifically aiming for “high-level” professionals, with Trump saying, “we want people that are productive.”
According to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, 10,000 have already pre-registered, suggesting it could bring billions of dollars of income.
“The people that can pay $5m, they’re going to create jobs,” according to the President. “It’s going to sell like crazy. It’s a bargain.”
The idea is not only an American concept: New Zealand sports a golden visa program (or Active Investor Plus Visa) that requires an investment of $5m or $10m (NZ dollars). However, while the US Gold Card’s income goes straight to the US government, New Zealand’s program focuses on investment.
The US Gold Card aims to replace the EB-5 visa, which was created in 1990 by Congress to generate foreign investment. It is available to people who would spend $1 million on a US company that employs at least 10 people.
About 8,000 people used EB-5 to enter the US in the 12 months until September 30, 2022, according to government immigration data retrieved by DW.
Selective Immigration as Crackdown Continues
At the time the Gold Card was announced, many questioned if it would bring in oligarchs and national security threats, like Russian businessmen close to the Russian government.
“I know some Russian oligarchs that are very nice people. It’s possible,” Trump answered the question in early 2025. “They’re not as wealthy as they used to be. I think they can. I think they can afford $5 million.”
The crackdown on other forms of migration, however, continues. I.C.E. continues its systematic crackdown on illegal migrants, detaining hundreds city by city.
After a shooting in Washington, D.C. resulted in the death of a National Guard member and the severe wounding of another, Trump put an indefinite pause on all Afghan asylum decisions. He later banned entry and halted green cards for nationals of 19 countries and revoked their right to family reunification. Most of the affected countries are in Africa; with some in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Most recently, Trump targeted tourist visas to support counterterrorism measures: his new policy would affect visitors from 42 countries, requiring them to disclose past email addresses, social media history, and biometric data.
He has also increased visa prices to deter foreign workers from entering the country, most notoriously the H-1B visa program for skilled foreign workers. Critics argued it undercut the American workforce, but supporters said it was this visa that attracted global talent.
As Trump’s order holds and applications are processed, we will see whether this switch to support the wealthy in immigrating will deliver the payoff he promises.
