Trump Administration "Gold Card" Program: Selling Residency to the Wealthy but Few Are Buying
NEWS & RESEARCH
Amidst a broader immigration crackdown, the Trump administration has introduced a "Gold Card" program. It offers permanent residency (EB-1 or EB-2 visas) to individuals paying $1 million personally or $2 million via business sponsorship. Traditionally reserved for professionals of "extraordinary merit," these visas are now being marketed as a way to fund what President Trump deems "positive" national projects. This exists alongside the existing EB-5 program, which requires an $800,000 investment and the creation of 10 jobs.
SOURCES: The Guardian | Politico | Times of India | CNBC
ANALYSIS & OPINION
Immigration lawyers representing wealthy individuals are advising their clients against paying the $15,000 fee to apply for the $1 million or $2 million visa that Trump has advertised, given the absence of a congressionally established visa, uncertainty about the tax implications for their clients, and ongoing litigation over the “Gold Card” program. Critics highlight the irony of a "narrow path for rich global elites" opening while mass deportation programs expand. Legal experts warn the program may be illegitimate because the administration bypassed standard legislative processes.
Legal Uncertainty: Residency could be revoked if courts find the program unlawful.
Operational Doubts: As of February 2026, firms like Reddy Neumann Brown PC report no verified instances of anyone successfully obtaining a card, suggesting the program may not be fully functional.
SOURCES: New York Daily News | Axios | EPI | MLAW | Barrons | Washington Post
HOW TO FIX IT
Challenge Statutory Authority: Congress can join citizen groups in lawsuits to block the program, arguing that new visa categories require explicit statutory authorization which the administration bypassed.
Procedural Violations: The program failed to follow the mandatory "notice and comment rulemaking" process required to alter existing visa structures.
Active Litigation: Groups including the Democracy Defenders Fund, Public Citizen, and the American Association of University Professors have already filed suit to stop this "pay-to-play" system.
SOURCES: Public Citizen | New York Times | Newsweek
