United States President Donald Trump signed an executive order releasing a new immigration program that provides fast-tracked “Gold Card” visas to foreigners willing to shell out at least $1 million.
A government website advertising the scheme declared, “The Trump Gold Card is here,” featuring a mock-up with Trump’s photo, signature, the bald eagle, and the Statue of Liberty, and the slogan: “Unlock life in America.”
Under the directive, those donating a minimum of $1 million to the Commerce Department will qualify for quick immigrant visas, while companies can receive Gold Cards by donating a minimum of $2 million.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said that 80,000 Gold Cards would be made available in the first round. Winners, after a payment of a $15,000 screening fee and background checks by the State and Homeland Security Departments, will enjoy lawful permanent residency. This takes precedence over the EB-1 and EB-2 green card categories previously set aside for owners of “exceptional ability.”
“You can show exceptional value to the United States by making a $1 million donation. That’s a pretty good wager that they’re highly valuable,” Lutwick stated. He continued that other visa categories could be shut down in another month, so the Gold Card would be the main path to residence.
The government is also considering a \$5 million “Platinum Card,” under which owners would be permitted to stay in the U.S. for up to 270 days a year and not have to pay taxes on foreign income. That would not render them citizens, and it would require congressional approval.
In a simultaneous move, Trump signed a second executive order that would implement a new $100,000 H-1B visa application fee a program used by American companies to recruit foreign skilled workers.
The change could redefine the H-1B program, which critics say holds down wages but which large tech companies, like Amazon, argue is needed to fill talent shortages.
Asked how the tech industry might react to the steep increase, Trump said: “I think they’re going to be very happy. We’re going to keep highly productive people in the country, and companies are going to pay a lot of money for that. They’re very happy about it.”
