Trump Unveils New ‘Gold Card’ Visa Offering Fast Track to US Citizenship for High Earners

US President Donald Trump has launched a new immigration pathway that grants wealthy applicants a fast tracked visa in exchange for a minimum investment of one million dollars. The programme, known as the Trump Gold Card, was promoted by the president on social media on Wednesday as a way to attract top international talent and strengthen American businesses.

Trump described the new card as offering a “direct path to citizenship for all qualified and vetted people,” calling the initiative exciting and beneficial for companies seeking to retain global expertise. The scheme has been in development for several months and was first announced earlier this year as part of a broader set of immigration reforms.

According to its official website, the Gold Card will be available to individuals who can show that their investment or professional contributions will bring “substantial benefit” to the United States. While full details of the vetting process have not been released, the card is marketed as a premium visa designed to appeal to high net worth individuals seeking long term residency and eventual citizenship.

The announcement comes at a time when the Trump administration is tightening its wider immigration policies. Washington has recently increased fees for several categories of work visas and expanded deportation efforts targeting undocumented migrants. Critics say the contrast between stricter rules for ordinary immigrants and the new fast track route for the wealthy highlights growing inequality within the immigration system.

Supporters of the Gold Card argue that attracting investors and high skilled professionals is essential for keeping US companies competitive, especially in sectors such as technology, finance and healthcare. They say the visa could bring new jobs and economic activity, particularly if recipients launch businesses or invest in innovation driven industries.

Immigration experts note that several countries already operate similar investor visa schemes, though many of these programmes have faced public scrutiny over transparency and national security risks. The US previously offered investment based visas under other categories, but the Gold Card appears to be positioned as a more direct and streamlined path to citizenship.

As the programme moves forward, questions remain about how many visas will be issued, how applicants will be evaluated and how the scheme will fit into the administration’s broader immigration agenda. For now, the initiative signals a strategic shift toward prioritising wealth and economic impact as key criteria for entry into the United States.