Is the 'Trump Gold Card' Visa a Game Changer Amid H-1B Restrictions?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Investment Requirement: $1 million for individuals, $2 million for corporations.
- Job Creation: Aims to foster business growth and employment opportunities.
- Rigorous Vetting: All applicants will undergo strict Department of Homeland Security scrutiny.
- Replaces Old Programs: Intended to replace ineffective visa categories.
- Projected Revenue: Expected to generate over $100 billion for the U.S. treasury.
Washington, September 21 (NationPress) Amidst the restrictions on H-1B visas by the Trump administration, a new investment-driven initiative known as the 'Trump Gold Card' has been unveiled.
On Friday, President Trump enacted an executive order that enables individuals to secure a visa for $1 million, while corporations can obtain one for $2 million.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick shared details of this initiative on X, emphasizing that this program does not broaden immigration.
According to Lutnick, for $1 million, individuals can acquire the Trump Gold Card, thereby creating jobs and fostering businesses in America. Corporations can buy a Corporate Trump Gold Card for one employee at $2 million. In this case, the company holds ownership of the card, with an option to transfer it to another employee for an additional fee.
He further mentioned that all participants in the Gold Card Program will face strict DHS vetting and will incur a $15,000 processing fee.
Lutnick pointed out that this program will replace ineffective visa categories such as the diversity lottery, which he argues detracts from America's attractiveness instead of bringing in high-earning individuals.
After signing the Executive Order, Trump likened the Gold Card to a “signing bonus” for athletes in baseball or football.
“One major issue we face is that talented individuals from top schools with excellent grades are often expelled from the country. This initiative will allow companies to retain these top talents,” Trump stated.
Lutnick asserted that through this program, the U.S. aims to admit only exceptional individuals.
“Rather than competing for American jobs, these individuals will help establish businesses and create employment opportunities for Americans. This initiative is projected to generate over $100 billion for the United States treasury,” he added.