WASHINGTON (Agencies): U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled the first-ever “Gold Card,” a high-end residency permit priced at $5 million, aimed at attracting wealthy foreign nationals and job creators. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Thursday, Trump introduced a prototype of the card—dubbed “The Trump Card”—which featured his face and a bold inscription bearing its name.
“This is a historic moment,” Trump declared, holding the card aloft. “I’m the first buyer. Pretty exciting, huh?”
The new visa program is being pitched as a premium alternative to the traditional green card, offering a fast track to U.S. residency and, ultimately, citizenship. Trump emphasized that the Gold Card would likely be available “in less than two weeks,” and hinted at wide interest among global elites.
While critics may view the program as controversial, Trump defended it as a strategic economic tool, saying the funds generated from visa sales would help reduce the national deficit and inject capital into the U.S. economy.
“We’re targeting people who will create jobs, build businesses, and invest in America,” Trump said.
Trump first floated the idea of the Gold Card visa in February, suggesting that the U.S. could sell “maybe a million” of them. He also did not rule out the possibility that Russian oligarchs and other ultra-wealthy individuals from politically sensitive nations might be eligible.
The announcement comes as Trump doubles down on tough immigration measures for undocumented migrants in his second-term agenda, seeking to strike a balance between border enforcement and economic pragmatism.
The unveiling is likely to draw both praise and scrutiny. Supporters argue the initiative could bring billions into the U.S. economy, while critics warn it could undermine fairness in the immigration system by giving special access to the ultra-rich.
Further details, including eligibility criteria and processing timelines, are expected to be released ahead of the official launch.
For now, one thing is certain: immigration under Trump’s second term is taking a distinctly golden turn.