In a significant new immigration initiative, the U.S. government has launched the “Trump Gold Card” program, a streamlined visa pathway for high-net-worth individuals and businesses. This initiative, detailed on a government website, is designed to attract substantial financial contributions to the U.S. treasury in exchange for an expedited path to residency.

Here is a breakdown of the program’s key features and requirements.

The Trump Gold Card

The Gold Card program is a two-tiered system for both individuals and businesses. The program is described as a means to grant legal status under the EB-1 or EB-2 visa categories, but with an accelerated process.

• For Individuals: A single applicant must pay a nonrefundable processing fee. After passing a thorough background check and vetting by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the applicant must make a $1 million contribution to the U.S. Treasury. This contribution is legally defined as a “gift” and is seen as sufficient evidence that the individual will “substantially benefit the United States.” Upon approval, the individual is granted lawful permanent resident status.
• For Businesses: The “Trump Corporate Gold Card” allows companies to sponsor foreign employees. For each worker, the company must pay a nonrefundable processing fee per employee. After the employee is vetted by DHS, the business must make a $2 million contribution per employee. A key advantage for businesses is that this contribution can be transferred to a new employee if a previous employee’s sponsorship ends, with a small transfer fee.

The Trump Platinum Card

A more exclusive option, the “Trump Platinum Card,” is also being promoted. While currently in the “Coming Soon” phase and requiring congressional approval, it is being positioned as a unique visa for high-net-worth individuals.

• Key Features: This card will allow the holder to stay in the U.S. for up to 270 days per year without being subject to U.S. taxes on their non-U.S. income.
• Contribution: The cost for this card will be a $5 million contribution, in addition to a processing fee and DHS vetting.
• The Waiting List: The program’s website encourages applicants to join a waiting list, as applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis once the program is officially launched.

Important Considerations

These new programs are being introduced in parallel with other changes to the immigration system, such as the new $100,000 fee on H-1B visas. The administration’s stated goal is to generate billions of dollars in revenue to benefit the U.S. economy, while simultaneously prioritizing high-value individuals and businesses over other visa categories.

It is crucial to note that these contributions are defined as “gifts” and are not considered an investment with a return. The programs are intended to provide a fast-track to residency, but they do not bypass standard security vetting processes.

The legal basis of the program and its potential to replace existing visa categories, such as the EB-1 and EB-2, are subjects of ongoing discussion and legal debate. Given the complex nature of these new policies, we can connect with licensed legal professionals who specialize in cross-border immigration is essential for anyone considering these programs.

Sources:

• Official program website: trumpcard.gov