Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump has officially launched his highly anticipated “Gold Card” immigration program, a new initiative aimed at fast-tracking U.S. residency and citizenship for wealthy immigrants willing to make significant financial contributions. During a roundtable discussion with business leaders, Trump unveiled the plan, which he described as a groundbreaking opportunity for immigrants who can contribute $1 million or more to the U.S. economy.
What Is the “Gold Card” Immigration Plan?
The newly launched program offers an expedited path to U.S. residency for foreign nationals willing to pay a $15,000 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) processing fee, followed by a $1 million contribution to the U.S. government. According to the program’s website, applicants will receive U.S. residency once their background checks are approved, and after five years, they will be eligible to apply for citizenship.
“This is very exciting, for me and for the country,” Trump said. “We’ve just launched the Trump Gold Card. About 30 minutes from now, the site goes up, and all funds go to the United States government.”
Trump described the Gold Card as similar to a green card but with “big advantages,” noting that it will allow businesses to sponsor individuals, including graduates from prestigious universities such as Wharton, Stern Business School, Harvard, and MIT, to remain in the United States.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who was also present at the announcement, emphasized the potential financial benefits of the program. “This could generate billions of dollars for the U.S. Treasury,” he said, adding that applicants will undergo a thorough vetting process before becoming eligible for citizenship after five years.
Trump’s Immigration Plan Amid Controversy
The announcement of the Gold Card program comes amidst growing scrutiny of President Trump’s immigration policies, particularly his administration’s stance on asylum seekers and the ongoing mass deportations. Last month, following the tragic shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., Trump proposed a temporary suspension on asylum applications and other immigration measures.
The president’s Gold Card plan is positioned as a way to attract foreign investment into the country, but critics have voiced concern over its potential to further widen economic inequalities. Some have argued that the program caters to wealthy elites while bypassing the traditional immigration pathways for less affluent individuals.
Trump’s Controversial Comments on Immigration
Trump’s comments during the announcement also prompted backlash. At a separate event, the president was criticized for his remarks regarding immigration from certain countries, including Somalia. He said, “Why can’t we have some people from Norway, Sweden, just a few? Let us have a few… from Denmark. Do you mind sending us a few people? Send us some nice people. But we always take people from Somalia, places that are a disaster, right? Filthy, dirty, disgusting, ridden with crime.”
His remarks contrasted sharply with the message behind the Gold Card program, which is geared toward attracting high-net-worth individuals from around the world. Critics argue that Trump’s rhetoric on immigration undermines efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive immigration system.
What Happens Next for the “Gold Card” Program?
Despite the criticism, Trump’s administration is moving forward with the Gold Card initiative. As the program begins accepting applications, the U.S. government is expected to attract substantial financial contributions from wealthy immigrants and business investors, with the goal of stimulating the economy.
In the coming months, it remains to be seen how successful the Gold Card program will be in terms of attracting investment and what its long-term impact will be on the broader immigration landscape in the U.S.
A Divisive Issue
The “Gold Card” immigration plan is the latest in a series of controversial immigration measures introduced by President Trump. While supporters argue that the program will bring much-needed investment to the U.S. economy, critics view it as a policy that prioritizes the wealthy while sidelining the needs of working-class immigrants and refugees.
This story may be updated as more information becomes available.
