UPDATE: The Trump administration has just announced that sales of the new immigration “Gold Card” program have skyrocketed to $1.3 billion. This fast-track pathway to U.S. citizenship allows foreign nationals and corporations to expedite the immigration process, with funds directly contributing to the U.S. Treasury.
During a White House event on Friday, President Donald Trump hailed the Gold Card as a revolutionary opportunity for non-Americans seeking U.S. residency. “It’s essentially the green card on steroids,” Trump stated, emphasizing the program’s potential to reduce national debt.
Launched on December 10, the Gold Card program enables foreign individuals to pay $1 million plus a $15,000 processing fee for expedited citizenship. Corporations can also join the initiative by making a $2 million contribution, along with the same processing fee. This move is poised to transform the landscape of U.S. immigration.
The corporate version, known as the Trump Corporate Gold Card, offers foreign firms the ability to grant U.S. citizenship to employees, with the option to transfer the card to another employee for a modest 5% transfer fee. This program also imposes a 1% annual maintenance fee for corporations.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated that the Gold Card system is intended to replace the existing EB-5 visa program, which has been in effect since 1990. Lutnick assured the public that all applicants would undergo rigorous vetting, ensuring national security while promoting economic growth through foreign investment.
The surge in Gold Card sales highlights a significant shift in immigration policy under the Trump administration, aiming to streamline the process for those who can afford it. As the program gains traction, its implications for immigration and economic strategy warrant close attention.
What happens next? Stakeholders will be watching closely as the administration rolls out further details on the Gold Card program and its impact on U.S. immigration policy. The urgency of this development cannot be overstated, as it represents a radical change in how citizenship is approached in the United States.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
