The Trump Administration Introduces “Gold Card” Visa Program
On September 19, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order (EO) launching a new “Gold Card” visa program aimed at attracting wealthy entrepreneurs and investors. The administration is framing this initiative as a shift from prior immigration policies that it claims encouraged unlawful migration and threatened national security.
The EO seeks to realign immigration policy with U.S. economic interests by prioritizing high-value contributors—entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders—while tightening oversight of family-based, refugee, and humanitarian pathways.
Key Features of the Gold Card Program:
- Financial Gift Requirement
- Individuals: $1 million
- Corporations: $2 million (to sponsor an applicant)
- Gifts must be deposited with the U.S. Department of Commerce into a federal fund supporting American industry and commerce.
- Pathway to Green Card
- The gift will serve as proof of “extraordinary ability” and “national benefit.”
- Allows applicants to bypass traditional immigration hurdles and gain permanent residence through expedited processing.
- Implementation Timeline
- Agencies (Commerce, State, DHS) must implement the program within 90 days of Sept. 19, 2025 (by Dec. 18, 2025).
- Includes setting application procedures, expedited/maintenance fees, and rules for corporate sponsorship transfers.
- Potential Expansion
- Agencies are instructed to consider aligning the Gold Card with the EB-5 investor visa program.
- Policy Emphasis
- Prioritizes wealth and economic contribution.
- Expected to shift focus away from family-based and humanitarian immigration.
- Generates direct federal revenue for economic development.
- The EO states this does not create enforceable legal rights for applicants.
Fakhoury Global Immigration is monitoring these developments very closely and will provide further updates as warranted. Should you have any questions, please contact your immigration attorney or FGI at info@employmentimmigration.com or (+1) 248.643.4900.