The launch of the Trump Gold Card program, featured on the official Trumpcard.gov website, represents a newly implemented pathway to U.S. lawful permanent residence that has attracted widespread attention and questions from clients and investors worldwide. This post provides an objective overview of the program’s structure, legal basis, requirements, and potential implications for high-net-worth individuals and corporate sponsors.
What Is the Trump Gold Card?
According to the official Trumpcard.gov website, the Trump Gold Card is a visa program designed to grant eligible applicants U.S. permanent resident status in exchange for a substantial financial contribution and expedited processing. It is marketed as an alternative route to lawful permanent residency that bypasses the traditional pace of many employment-based immigration paths.
Key Components
1. Processing Fee
Applicants must first submit a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as part of the initial application process.
2. Contribution Requirement (Individual)
Once the applicant’s background check and vetting process are complete, the individual is required to make a $1 million contribution to the United States, described on the site as evidence that they will “substantially benefit the United States.
3. Corporate Sponsorship Option
Corporations may sponsor employees through the Trump Corporate Gold Card by paying a $15,000 processing fee per employee and a $2 million contribution per employee. This card is subject to a 1% annual maintenance fee and a 5% transfer fee if the sponsoring company reallocates the benefit to another employee over time.
4. Visa Classification and Residency Status
Approved applicants receive lawful permanent resident status under existing employment-based categories — specifically EB-1 or EB-2 classifications — as determined by the Department of Homeland Security, subject to visa availability.
5. Family Members
Spouses and unmarried minor children (under 21) may be included in the initial application, each subject to their own processing fee and contribution, to obtain the same residency benefits.
How It Works in Practice
The program requires applicants to:
- Submit an online application through Trumpcard.gov with the DHS processing fee.
- Undergo an expedited vetting process by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and other relevant agencies.
- Provide the required contribution ($1 million individual, $2 million corporate) after successful vetting to demonstrate their substantial benefit to the United States.
- Receive permanent resident status under EB-1 or EB-2, assuming the applicant passes all admissibility requirements and a visa is available.
The official site emphasizes expedited adjudication once the application and fees are submitted, though the timeline can still depend on background checks, document submissions, and visa availability.
Legal and Practical Considerations
While the program is now live and accepting applications online, several key legal questions remain relevant for prospective clients:
1. Classification Under Existing Law
Although the program offers residency through EB-1 and EB-2 visa classifications, these immigrant preference categories have numerical limitations and eligibility criteria under U.S. immigration law. Applicants still must meet statutory admissibility and eligibility standards beyond merely paying the contribution.
2. Visa Availability and Backlogs
Permanent residence under EB-1 and EB-2 is subject to the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin and per-country limits. This means that, even with expedited processing and contributions, applicants from countries with high demand may experience wait times before a visa number becomes available.
3. Policy and Legal Scrutiny
Because the program was established via executive action, it has drawn scrutiny from immigration law experts. Some commentators have noted uncertainty regarding long-term legality, administrative authority, and whether statutory requirements governing visa categories are fully observed. These concerns are particularly relevant given that traditional immigration pathways — such as the EB-5 investor program — historically require job creation and a different investment structure.
4. Financial and Compliance Requirements
Beyond the headline figures for contributions and fees, applicants should be prepared to document sources of funds, lawful transfer of funds, admissibility criteria, and any ancillary visa application costs imposed by the Department of State, medical exam fees, and consular processing requirements.
Comparison With Traditional Pathways
Preceding this initiative, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program enabled investors to pursue residency by investing in a commercial enterprise and creating jobs for U.S. workers — typically with an $800,000 to $1,050,000 investment threshold tied to job creation, rather than a direct government contribution. The Gold Card shifts the paradigm toward a financial contribution model tied to EB-1 or EB-2 eligibility rather than project-based investment and job creation.
Should You Consider the Trump Gold Card?
For high-net-worth individuals and corporate sponsors, the Trump Gold Card program represents a novel and high-profile option to pursue U.S. permanent residency. However:
- It remains essential to evaluate whether the applicant actually qualifies under the underlying visa category (EB-1/EB-2).
- Financial gifts do not exempt applicants from standard immigration law requirements, including admissibility and documentation.
- Visa availability and priority dates may still affect timelines.
- Future policy changes or legal challenges may affect the program’s scope.
How Our Firm Can Help
Our immigration law practice provides strategic counsel on:
- Suitability assessment for EB-1, EB-2, and Gold Card pathways
- Fund documentation and admissibility analysis
- Corporate sponsorship planning and compliance
- Visa process management and consular representation
- Risk assessment of evolving immigration policy
We recommend individualized legal advice prior to submitting any application or financial contribution under this program.
At the Law Offices of Daniel A. Lorber, PC, we can guide you through the complex process of applying for the Trump Gold Card visa. Our team will help ensure your application is complete, accurate, and submitted on time, reducing potential delays or complications. Call us today at (469) 405-2966 to schedule a consultation and explore your eligibility.