As of December 2025, the Trump administration has officially launched the “Trump Gold Card” visa program, reportedly generating $1.3 billion in its first few days. The initiative allows wealthy foreign nationals to bypass traditional immigration wait times for a high cost, positioned as a “green card on steroids”.
Features of the Gold Card Program
- The Price Tag: Applicants must pay a non-refundable $15,000 vetting fee followed by a $1 million “unrestricted gift” (contribution) to the U.S. government for a visa.
- Corporate Sponsorship: Companies can purchase residency for employees at $2 million per person.
- Visa Classification: Approved holders receive permanent residency under EB-1 (Extraordinary Ability) or EB-2 (Exceptional Ability/National Interest Waiver) categories.
- The “Platinum Card”: A higher-tier option priced at $5 million allows holders to spend up to 270 days per year in the U.S. without being subject to U.S. taxes on non-U.S. income.
- Government Revenue: The funds are deposited directly into the U.S. Treasury, with Trump stating the revenue will be used to reduce the national debt and promote American industry.
The $100,000 H-1B Fee and Legal Battles
The administration has simultaneously moved to restrict traditional high-skilled immigration pathways, leading to significant legal pushback:
- New H-1B Fee: A September 2025 proclamation imposed a $100,000 fee on most new H-1B visa applications.
- Multi-State Lawsuit: On December 12, 2025, a coalition of 20 states (including California and New York) filed a lawsuit challenging the $100,000 fee. They argue the fee is an illegal “executive fiat” that exceeds presidential authority and will harm public sectors like healthcare and education that rely on skilled foreign labor.
- Additional Challenges: This is the third major court challenge to the fee, following separate lawsuits from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and labor groups.
Official information and applications are hosted at trumpcard.gov, though critics and legal experts continue to question the program’s long-term sustainability without formal Congressional legislation.
