Want Fast-Track US Residency? Trump’s New Gold Card Lets Investors Skip the Line – Here’s How Indonesians and Europeans Can Benefit!

Published on December 12, 2025

In a bold move to attract top-tier foreign talent, the Trump administration has introduced the Trump Gold Card, a new residency program designed for investors who are willing to contribute a minimum of $1 million to the United States economy. This program, which promises fast-tracked green card processing, is being hailed as a direct route to U.S. residency for those who meet the criteria. The initiative reflects the administration’s strategy of tying immigration access to economic contributions, aiming to bolster the U.S. economy while simultaneously attracting wealthy individuals to the country.

What is the Trump Gold Card?

The Trump Gold Card was launched with the goal of streamlining the U.S. residency process for investors. Those who contribute $1 million will be granted expedited residency under the EB-1 or EB-2 categories, which are reserved for priority workers, professionals with advanced degrees, and multinational executives. While the program offers a direct pathway to residency, applicants must undergo rigorous vetting by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) before they can receive a green card.

For individual applicants, the cost includes a $1 million contribution to the U.S. economy, along with a $15,000 processing fee. Additionally, companies sponsoring workers through the Trump Corporate Gold Card will need to contribute $2 million per employee. This scheme is structured to attract high-value investors and skilled professionals who can contribute to the economic development of the United States.

A New Approach to U.S. Immigration: Donation Over Investment

Unlike the traditional EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which requires investments in U.S. projects that create jobs, the Trump Gold Card operates on a donation model. This means there is no requirement for job creation, and the funds are not expected to be returned once the investment is made. The proceeds from the donations will be directed into a fund dedicated to generating revenue for the country, according to the administration. Critics argue that this could create a system that benefits the wealthy while potentially sidelining those who may contribute in other ways.

Trump’s Vision for Economic Growth and Talent Retention

President Donald Trump has championed this new program as a way to retain top talent within the United States. He stated that the Gold Card provides a clear and efficient path to U.S. citizenship for “qualified and vetted people,” who can bring valuable skills to the country. The initiative is expected to help U.S. companies retain high-level foreign talent, preventing them from seeking opportunities in other countries due to restrictive immigration policies.

Trump’s announcement of the Gold Card was made on social media, where he described it as a “direct path to citizenship” for all qualified applicants. By prioritizing economic contributions over traditional immigration criteria, this new initiative seeks to streamline the residency process, making the U.S. more attractive to global investors and skilled professionals.

Tiered Residency Options: The Platinum Card and Beyond

The Trump Gold Card is the first offering in a tiered structure aimed at attracting even wealthier investors. The Trump Platinum Card, priced at $5 million, will provide holders with additional benefits, including the ability to spend up to 270 days annually in the United States without paying taxes on non-U.S. income. Corporate sponsors must also pay a 1% annual maintenance fee, capped at $20,000 per employee, as well as a 5% transfer fee when replacing a sponsored worker.

For families, the cost increases with each dependent. A family of four would pay approximately $4.6 million for residency, including the necessary processing fees for each member. This tiered approach is designed to attract high-net-worth individuals and companies that can make a significant economic impact on the country.

Comparing the Gold Card to EB-5 and Other Visa Programs

The Trump Gold Card is seen by many as a direct competitor to the existing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which has been in place since 1990. The EB-5 program requires investors to contribute between $800,000 and $1.05 million to U.S. projects that create at least 10 American jobs. Unlike the Gold Card, the EB-5 program allows for the return of the investment once the project matures. Additionally, EB-5 applicants must meet strict job creation requirements, whereas the Gold Card does not.

The main advantage of the Gold Card is the speed with which it grants U.S. residency. Applicants undergo DHS vetting, but the process is designed to be much faster than traditional visa programs. This could appeal to investors who are eager to secure U.S. residency in a relatively short amount of time.

Social Media Scrutiny: A New Trend in U.S. Immigration

In addition to the Gold Card launch, the Trump administration has proposed a new rule that would require visitors from 40 visa-waiver countries, including the EU, UK, Australia, and Japan, to disclose their social media activity from the past five years when applying for entry into the U.S. This new regulation is part of a broader push for increased scrutiny of foreign nationals entering the country, with the aim of bolstering national security and digital transparency.

This proposed rule would impact millions of travelers annually and could significantly change the way foreign nationals are assessed for entry into the U.S. While critics argue that this could further isolate the U.S. from the global community, the administration maintains that it is necessary for ensuring the safety and security of the country.

Criticism and Concerns About Exclusivity

The Trump Gold Card has faced criticism from some quarters for reinforcing perceptions of U.S. exclusivity. The program, with its focus on wealthy investors and companies, has the potential to widen the gap between the wealthy and those who may seek immigration opportunities for other reasons, such as asylum or family reunification. Critics argue that by offering a fast-track residency option for the wealthy, the U.S. could alienate those who may contribute to the country in other meaningful ways.

Furthermore, some have raised concerns about the long-term impact on U.S. public opinion. As global travel spending is projected to decline, especially with the ongoing economic challenges, the Trump Gold Card could exacerbate perceptions that the U.S. is prioritizing the wealthy at the expense of broader immigration reforms.

Conclusion

The Trump Gold Card represents a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, prioritizing economic contributions from wealthy investors and corporations over traditional immigration criteria. By offering expedited residency in exchange for a donation to the U.S. economy, the program seeks to attract top-tier talent and foster economic growth. While it has the potential to boost the U.S. economy, it also raises questions about the future of U.S. immigration, the role of social media in vetting, and the implications of exclusivity in a time of global economic uncertainty.