U.S. President Donald Trump has launched a new immigration offer called the Trump gold card program.
The offer gives legal status and a path to U.S. citizenship for anyone willing to pay a $1 million “contribution.”
The announcement was made on Wednesday and has already created debate across political and economic circles.
According to details shared by the administration, a new website, Trumpcard.gov, has been created for applicants.
The platform includes an “apply now” option and collects a $15,000 processing fee for faster handling.
Moreover, the program promises a smooth route for wealthy applicants.
After a background check, applicants are expected to give what the website describes as a “gift” of $1 million.
In return, they receive a visa that works much like a green card but with added privileges.
Trump told reporters, “Basically, it’s a Green Card, but much better. Much more powerful, a much stronger path. A path is a big deal. Have to be great people.”
His description signals a focus on attracting wealthy individuals rather than ordinary migrants.
Furthermore, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick revealed that the interest level has already shocked the administration.
He said nearly 10,000 people registered during a pre-launch phase and more applications are expected.
Lutnick added during an interview with Reuters that, “I would expect over time that we’d sell, you know, thousands of these cards and raise, you know, billions, billions of dollars.”
He argued that applicants in this category will likely boost the U.S. economy.
Meanwhile, he compared them to what he called “average” green card holders, who he claimed earn less money and rely more on public aid.
However, he did not present data to support this.
The Trump gold card program comes at a time when the administration has tightened both legal and illegal immigration rules.
In addition, Lutnick confirmed there is a corporate version of the gold card.
It allows companies to fast-track visas for their foreign employees for a $2 million contribution per worker.
This option is expected to appeal to large firms in tech, finance, and real estate.
The gold card idea follows Trump’s long-standing claim that U.S. policies should generate income for the Treasury.
His team has often compared this strategy to profits from tariffs and other fees applied during his presidency.
