U.S. President Donald Trump has officially announced the launch of the «Trump’s Gold Card«. Anew immigration document offering permanent residency in exchange for several million dollars.
Golden Card: A Record-Time Process for a Substantial Contribution
The program, presented during a roundtable at the White House, offers a fast-track alternative for obtaining legal residency. Is provided applicants can cover a contribution of US$1 million plus a US$15,000 processing fee from the Department of Homeland Security.
According to the official portal trumpcard.gov, launched this Wednesday, applicants who meet the requirements and pass a background check will be able to obtain their residency «in record time.»
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An Alternative for Companies
For companies wishing to sponsor foreign workers, the cost rises to US$2 million. The program promises to grant residency under the EB-1 and EB-2 visa categories, intended for individuals with «extraordinary» or «exceptional» abilities.
Process for Acquiring the Golden Card
According to the official website, once the complete documentation is submitted, the process will be resolved within a matter of «weeks». All this after a mandatory interview with immigration authorities.
Although additional consular fees may apply, the Trump administration maintains that the program’s goal is to attract «the most qualified individuals» with high purchasing power, capable of boosting the U.S. economy.
Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick described this initiative as a «much more powerful» version of the traditional green card. Asserted that the program guarantees the entry of «extraordinary people, the very best.»
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The «Trump Platinum Card»: An Exclusive Benefit for US$5 Million
The government also previewed the launch of the «Trump Platinum Card,» an even more exclusive program that will offer its holders the possibility of remaining in the United States for up to 270 days without paying taxes on income earned outside the country.
This option, which will cost US$5 million plus a processing fee, does not yet have a launch date but has already opened a waitlist for interested parties.
A Controversial Measure Amid Immigration Restrictions
Although the Trump administration argues that the new program modernizes and expedites merit-based immigration, legal experts have warned that substantially modifying the current EB-5 program would require Congressional approval.
Despite doubts about its implementation, Trump has assured that the new scheme could generate historic revenues. Lutnick estimated that the sale of gold cards could raise up to US$1 trillion, reducing the national debt.
Meanwhile, critics also point out that the program favors the wealthiest, sidelining traditional applicants with fewer resources. However, the administration defends that the priority is to attract high-level talent and investment to strengthen the country’s economy.
Thus, the «Trump Gold Card» marks one of the most controversial and ambitious immigration moves of the current administration, opening a preferential path to residency, but only for those who can afford the price.
