The US government launched a new website promoting a visa programme aimed at affluent immigrants, offering American residency at steep prices.The initiative introduces a “Trump Gold Card” costing $1 million for US residency, plus processing fees and background checks. A forthcoming “Platinum Card,” priced at $5 million, will allow holders to “spend up to 270 days in the United States without being subject to US taxes on non-US income,” according to the site.Corporate investors can also participate. “The Trump Corporate Gold Card allows your business to transfer access from one employee and grant it to another, with the cost of a transfer fee and DHS vetting. A small annual maintenance fee will also apply,” the website stated. Companies investing $2 million can secure US residency for select employees.Trump unveiled the initiative in February with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, touting it as a way to attract investment, create jobs and reduce the deficit. Lutnick joined him at a White House announcement on Friday.The wealthy-focused visa scheme aligns with Trump’s broader immigration agenda, which pairs stricter deportation of undocumented migrants with new legal pathways for high-income individuals.At the same time, Trump is overhauling the H-1B programme, introducing a $100,000 application fee to deter heavy use, sharply raising costs for tech and other firms seeking foreign skilled workers.While Trump projects up to one million card purchases, immigration experts believe the pool of investors able to pay such sums will be far smaller.
