Trump's new Gold Card: Fast-Track residency for the wealthy generates debate

In a sweeping move to reshape US immigration policy, President Trump signed an executive order on September 19 introducing the ‘Gold Card’ visa program. The order promises a faster pathway to immigrant-visa status for wealthy individuals who make large ‘gifts’ to the US government.

What the Gold Card Program requires

• Gift or donation thresholds: Individuals wishing to qualify for a Gold Card must make an unrestricted gift of $1 million to the US Department of Commerce. If a corporation or similar entity makes the gift on behalf of the individual, the required amount rises to $2 million.
• Fund use: Gifts collected will be deposited into a separate fund in the US Treasury and used to promote commerce and strengthen American industry.
• Timeline and process: The Secretaries of Commerce, State, and Homeland Security are instructed to put in place an expedited adjudication process, set administrative & maintenance fees, and begin receiving gifts under the program within 90 days.
• Transfer of Gold Card: The order allows a company that sponsored a Gold Card visa holder to transfer that sponsorship to another individual if the original recipient gives up their status. The initial gift made by the company will count as proof of eligibility for the new candidate, who must still go through the normal visa screening and security checks.

According to the White House, the policy helps realign immigration with what this administration sees as national priorities: ensuring immigrants “affirmatively benefit” the United States rather than simply increase numbers. However, critics argue that the executive order entails paying for immigration privileges, casting a shadow over merit-based visa programs .

Immigration laws, including visa caps and green card pathways, have been under congressional purview, and many immigration attorneys expect challenges to the Gold Card program.