US President Donald Trump has officially launched the Trump Gold Card programme, offering a fast-tracked path to US citizenship for wealthy foreigners who can afford the hefty price tag.
The programme, announced on Wednesday via a Truth Social post, requires applicants to pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), followed by a $1 million payment for US residency.
“Basically, it’s a green card but much better, much more powerful, a much stronger path,” Trump said, touting the programme as a way to attract top talent and generate revenue for the government.
The programme is designed to replace the EB-5 visa programme, which requires foreign investors to invest $1 million in a US business that creates at least 10 jobs.
The corporate gold card, priced at $2 million, is available for businesses sponsoring employees, with additional fees applying.
A platinum card, valued at $5 million, is also in the works, offering exemptions from certain taxes and the ability to spend up to 270 days in the US without being subject to taxes on non-US income.
The programme has drawn criticism from rights groups, who argue that it undermines the US’s traditional reputation as a refuge for the hardworking poor and oppressed.
“The Gold Card programme contradicts the US’ traditional values,” said critics, who argue that the programme prioritizes wealth over merit.
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