WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2025 — President Donald J. Trump on Thursday announced a new immigration initiative he said would dramatically reshape how the United States grants permanent residency, unveiling what he called the Trump Gold Card and describing it as “essentially the green card on steroids.”
Speaking at the White House, Trump introduced the program as a fast-track pathway to lawful permanent residency and eventual citizenship for foreign nationals willing to make substantial financial contributions to the United States.
“This isn’t your typical green card,” Trump said while holding up a gold-colored card bearing his name. “This is something much bigger, much faster. It’s the green card on steroids.”
Trump said the program has already generated more than $1 billion in commitments, describing the early response as “tremendous” and portraying the initiative as a new revenue stream for the federal government.
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“All of that money goes straight to the United States,” Trump said, adding that the funds would benefit the Treasury and help strengthen the country’s fiscal position.
Under the framework described by Trump, individuals may qualify for the Gold Card by making a $1 million contribution, along with a $15,000 processing fee, and passing a comprehensive background screening process. The president said the program is designed to attract high-net-worth individuals who can contribute directly to the U.S. economy.
Trump emphasized that participation would not bypass security standards, saying applicants would be “very carefully vetted.”
“We want people coming in who are bringing something truly great,” he said.
Corporate Entry and Sponsorship
Trump said the program also allows corporations to participate by sponsoring foreign employees. Under this structure, companies would make a $2 million contribution per sponsored worker, along with additional administrative and processing fees.
The corporate option, Trump said, is intended to help U.S. companies attract and retain international talent while reducing delays associated with traditional employment-based visa programs.
“This gives companies a powerful tool,” Trump said, calling it a way to strengthen American competitiveness in a global economy.
Program Structure and Fees
According to Trump’s remarks, the Gold Card program includes multiple tiers. In addition to the individual and corporate options, the administration is considering a higher-tier version — informally referred to as a Platinum-level card — that would require a significantly larger financial contribution and could include expanded benefits.
Trump said the initiative is meant to simplify and accelerate residency approvals compared with existing immigration pathways, which he criticized as slow and overly bureaucratic.
Framing the Policy Shift
Throughout his address, Trump repeatedly contrasted the Gold Card with traditional immigration programs, emphasizing speed, simplicity and economic contribution as defining features. He framed the initiative as part of a broader effort to align immigration policy with national economic interests.
Unlike previous reforms, Trump said, the Gold Card prioritizes direct financial investment as a core qualification for residency.
Looking Ahead
Trump concluded by encouraging international applicants and global businesses to consider the program, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to reshaping U.S. immigration policy around merit, investment and economic growth.
The Trump Gold Card initiative is expected to remain a focal point of immigration debate heading into 2026 as supporters and critics weigh its economic impact, accessibility and long-term implications.