By Christian A. Triantaphyllis

On Friday, September 19, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing a new “Trump Gold Card” residency program, marking a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy. The program offers a pathway to U.S. residency for individuals and corporations willing to make substantial financial contributions, with the stated goal of raising over $100 billion for the U.S. Treasury to support future tax cuts.

Details of the Trump Gold Card and Corporate Gold Card

The Trump Gold Card is designed for high-net-worth individuals seeking U.S. residency. After a non-refundable processing fee and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) vetting, applicants can secure lawful permanent resident status by making a $1 million contribution. This contribution is considered evidence that the applicant will provide a substantial benefit to the United States. Applicants must also be eligible for lawful permanent resident status, admissible to the U.S., and have a visa available. As with any visa, the Trump Gold Card can be revoked if national security or other risks arise.

For businesses, the Trump Corporate Gold Card allows corporate sponsors to secure U.S. residency for their employees. Each application requires a $2 million contribution per employee, following a processing fee and DHS vetting. Notably, the Corporate Gold Card offers flexibility: if a sponsored employee leaves, the company can transfer the card to another employee for a transfer fee and additional vetting, without making a new $2 million contribution. An annual maintenance fee applies to each card.

Trump Platinum Card: A New Tier for Global Mobility

The administration also announced the forthcoming Trump Platinum Card, which will allow individuals to spend up to 270 days per year in the United States without being subject to U.S. taxes on non-U.S. income. This premium option, available for a $5 million contribution after vetting and a processing fee, is currently accepting applicants to a waiting list. The Platinum Card is positioned as a solution for global citizens seeking extended U.S. stays without the burden of worldwide taxation.

Visa Status and Legal Framework

Recipients of the Trump Gold Card and Corporate Gold Card will be granted lawful permanent resident status, typically under the EB-1 or EB-2 visa categories, as determined by DHS and subject to visa availability. The program is structured to ensure that only those who can demonstrate a substantial benefit to the United States are eligible, with rigorous vetting and compliance requirements.

Financial Impact and Policy Goals

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick projected that the program would generate more than $100 billion in revenue, earmarked to fund tax cuts and other fiscal priorities. The administration frames the initiative as a way to attract high-earning immigrants and corporate investment, while simultaneously tightening enforcement and raising barriers for other visa categories.

Broader Immigration Overhaul: H-1B Fee Increase

In tandem with the Gold Card program, President Trump signed a proclamation raising the H-1B visa application fee to $100,000. This dramatic increase, which applies on top of existing visa costs and is typically paid by employers, is expected to significantly impact companies’ ability to hire foreign workers under the H-1B program.

Conclusion

The Trump Gold Card program represents a major departure from traditional U.S. immigration policy, prioritizing financial contributions as a pathway to residency. Coupled with stricter enforcement and higher barriers for other visa categories, the initiative signals a new era in American immigration. As the program rolls out, its impact on immigration patterns, business investment, and the broader U.S. economy will be closely watched.

The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the firm, its clients, or any of its or their respective affiliates. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For assistance, please contact an attorney in Jackson Walker’s Business Immigration & Compliance practice.

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Our Business Immigration & Compliance practice provides integrated legal solutions to complex problems that permit our clients to achieve U.S. immigration objectives. The team’s experience ranges from foreign investors and business owners; international and domestic start-ups, small- to medium-size enterprises (SMEs) and public companies who employ individuals that need U.S. visa options to grow and expand their business; families who wish to live in the U.S. temporarily and/ permanently; and persons who wish to acquire U.S. citizenship.