Trump unveils "Gold Card" fast-track visas for $1 million

Published: Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 2:23 am

Trump Administration Launches "Gold Card" Visa Program

President Trump has signed an executive order establishing a new "Gold Card" visa program, offering expedited permanent residency to non-Americans who contribute financially to the U.S. economy. The program, which was first proposed in February, will grant immigrant visas to individuals who donate at least $1 million to the Commerce Department. Corporations can sponsor individuals for Gold Cards with a $2 million contribution.

According to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, approximately 80,000 Gold Cards will be available. Approved applicants will undergo vetting by the State Department and Department of Homeland Security and will be required to pay a $15,000 vetting fee. Gold Card holders will be considered lawful permanent residents, replacing the existing EB-1 and EB-2 visa programs.

The administration is also considering a "Platinum Card" program, which would allow individuals to spend up to 270 days in the U.S. without paying taxes on their non-U.S. income. However, this program would not offer a pathway to citizenship and requires Congressional approval.

In a separate move, President Trump signed an executive order imposing an additional $100,000 fee for H-1B visas, a non-immigrant visa used by many tech companies to employ foreign workers. This change could significantly impact the H-1B program. The President believes tech companies will be pleased with the new fee, stating it will allow the country to retain productive individuals.

BNN's Perspective:

The Gold Card program raises questions about fairness and the potential for creating a two-tiered immigration system. While the program aims to attract investment, it's crucial to ensure that it doesn't undermine existing immigration pathways or create undue advantages for the wealthy. The additional fees on H-1B visas could have a mixed impact, potentially benefiting some domestic workers while also potentially hindering the growth of industries reliant on skilled foreign labor. Careful monitoring and evaluation will be needed to assess the long-term effects of these policies.

Keywords: Trump, Gold Card, visa, immigration, executive order, permanent residency, H-1B, Platinum Card, Commerce Department, investment, green card, fees, foreign workers, business, economy

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