Donald Trump has unveiled his new million dollar path to American residency with the launch of the Trump Gold Card. The announcement was made on Wednesday from the Oval Office, drawing strong reactions across political and immigrant communities.
How the Trump Gold Card Works
Trump was joined by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who explained how the card has two categories. Individuals can buy it for 1 million dollars and corporations can buy it for 2 million dollars. All applicants must undergo what the administration calls the strongest vetting ever, with a non refundable fee of 15000 dollars.
Path to Green Card and Citizenship
After the background checks, applicants can wire the required amount based on whether it is an individual purchase or a corporate fast track process for a foreign employee. Once the Treasury receives the money, the applicant becomes a lawful permanent resident. After five years of clean conduct, they can apply for citizenship. Lutnick also said the company keeps the Gold Card in such cases and can reuse it for another employee.
Tech Giants Push for Retention of Talent
Trump said tech giants have asked for such a policy for years. He claimed Apple CEO Tim Cook has often raised the issue that top graduates from Harvard, MIT, and Wharton leave for India, China, and other countries because of visa rules. Trump said this move will fix that and bring billions of dollars to the US.
Concerns From Trump’s Supporters and Immigrant Communities
Some of Trump’s own supporters have criticised the plan. They say he is selling citizenship to foreign elites while not addressing the needs of working class Americans. Indian applicants stuck in decade long backlogs also question why the immigration system is being ignored while flashy options are introduced.
Critics Question the Logic of the Price Tag
Observers also note the contradiction in Trump wanting to retain US graduates but attaching a 1 million dollar cost to a future that is already burdened with education loans. Voices from both sides have raised concerns, yet the administration is moving ahead with the plan.
Gold Card:
For an individual, it’s $1 million
For a corporation, it’s $2 million.#GoldCard #TrumpGoldCard
— M9 USA (@M9USA_) December 10, 2025
