Trump 'Gold Card' Sells Residency — 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
Pass the Closing Bribery Loopholes Act of 2026, which expands the definition of “official act” to prevent overly narrow readings that undermine enforcement against bribery.
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
Legislation: H.R.3741 - Closing Bribery Loopholes Act
