Trump launches gold and platinum visa cards: buy residency and tax benefits with 1 to 5 million USD

President Trump officially launched the controversial “Trump Gold Card” program, allowing wealthy foreigners to obtain U.S. residency directly for $1 million, while companies applying for their employees must pay $2 million. The government also announced the upcoming launch of the $5 million “Platinum Card,” which allows holders to stay in the U.S. for 270 days annually and exempts them from overseas income tax. While this policy aims to strengthen the deportation of illegal immigrants, it also opens a simple paid pathway for the wealthy, sparking widespread discussion.

Trump Launches Gold Card Program, $1 Million Gets You a U.S. Visa

Trump officially announced the launch of the “Trump Gold Card” (Trump Gold Card), where foreign individuals only need to pay a $15,000 administrative fee to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and after background checks and a $1 million donation, they can accelerate obtaining a visa through the previously available EB-1 investor immigration or EB-2 employment-based immigration green card categories.

Trump posted on his personal social media platform, Truth Social, sharing a link to apply for the Trump Gold Card, claiming the program could bring billions of dollars in revenue to the U.S.:

The Gold Card provides a direct path to citizenship for all qualified and vetted individuals — so exciting! Our great American companies can finally retain their valuable talent.

These visas, originally designed to review exceptional talents and professionals, are now being replaced by a “pay-to-qualify” approach, bypassing the rigorous ability verification process, sparking heated debate.

Corporate Version Launched: $2 Million Plus Annual and Transfer Fees

According to an executive order signed in September this year, aside from individual applications, companies can also purchase Gold Card eligibility for specific employees at $2 million.

The official website states that corporate holders of the Yellow Card must pay an annual maintenance fee of 1%, approximately $20,000. If they want to transfer the Gold Card to a different employee, an additional 5%, about $100,000, transfer fee is required.

This move commodifies the visa service, giving corporations and capital greater flexibility, but it has also been criticized for potentially undermining the original purpose of the EB visa categories, which are designed for professional talents.

Higher-tier Platinum Card: $5 Million for 270 Days Residency and Tax Exemption

The official website also announced that the “Trump Platinum Card” (Trump Platinum Card) will soon be launched, priced at up to $5 million.

Holders can stay in the U.S. for up to 270 days per year and are exempt from paying U.S. taxes on overseas income, effectively providing high-net-worth individuals with more than half a year of freedom to live and stay in the U.S. Currently, this plan still awaits congressional approval.

(Featuring Trump’s portrait on the immigration gold card! Pay five million dollars to become a proud American)

Trump’s Deportation of Immigrants and Welcome to the Wealthy? Benefits and Controversies Coexist

At the launch of this program, the Trump administration is also deploying significant resources to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. The policy of cracking down on grassroots immigrants while offering paid pathways to the wealthy appears particularly ironic and contradictory.

However, the tech and business sectors seem to hold a positive attitude toward this, with Trump even mentioning Apple CEO Tim Cook, who has repeatedly proposed this plan. Meanwhile, the government is also strengthening high fees and reforms to H-1B work visas and lottery systems, clearly moving toward a “capital-driven” immigration system.

This article “Trump Launches Gold and Platinum Visa: Buying Residency and Tax Exemption for $1 to $5 Million” first appeared on Lian News ABMedia.