The Trump administration says it has generated $1.3 billion from sales of President Donald Trump’s new $1 million immigration “gold card.”
Officials made the claim on Friday as President Trump unveiled the card during a White House event.
Trump described the initiative as “essentially a green card on steroids.”
How the Gold Card Works
The gold card allows wealthy foreigners to gain fast-tracked legal status in the United States.
Individuals must pay $1 million, while companies can pay $2 million to secure residency for employees.
Based on the figures released, the sales equal up to 1,300 gold cards.
Trump said the funds would help reduce the national debt.
He also said companies could use the programme to ensure key workers remain eligible to work in the U.S.
Application Process and Fees
The programme officially launched on December 10.
According to the application website, applicants must first pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee.
After this step, the Department of Homeland Security conducts a full background check.
Once cleared, applicants must then pay the $1 million fee to receive permanent U.S. residency.
The administration says the process offers residency “in record time.”
Criticism From Policy Experts
However, critics have raised concerns about the programme.
They argue that it prioritises wealth over merit.
Some policy analysts warn it could sideline highly skilled workers who lack financial resources.
Link to Existing Visa Programmes
Experts also say the gold card does not create an entirely new system.
Instead, they describe it as a new fee structure added to existing employment-based visa routes.
These include the EB-1 and EB-2 visa programmes.
The debate continues as the administration promotes the initiative as a revenue tool.
