Trump Gold Card

The "Gold Card" is a residency initiative established by executive order in September 2025 and opened to the public in December 2025. It offers lawful permanent residence to foreign nationals who make a substantial financial contribution — reported as a $1 million gift to the U.S. government (with a higher figure discussed for corporate sponsorship), alongside a separate nonrefundable processing fee. Rather than creating a new visa category — which only Congress can do — the program directs applicants through the existing employment-based first- and second-preference categories (EB-1 and EB-2).

Because the program was created through executive action rather than legislation, its legal foundation is contested. As of July 2026, it is the subject of active federal litigation. One suit, brought by the American Association of University Professors, argues that the program exceeds executive authority and diverts a limited pool of EB-1 and EB-2 visas away from the highly skilled applicants for whom Congress reserved them. A separate action seeks greater transparency about how the program was designed and implemented. The government has defended the program, contending in court that it does not disadvantage other employment-based applicants.

Prospective applicants should weigh this pathway carefully against established alternatives. The EB-5 immigrant investor program — which grants residency based on a qualifying capital investment that creates U.S. jobs — remains fully in force and offers a statutory footing the Gold Card currently lacks. Anyone considering the Gold Card should also understand that, because the program's legal status is unsettled, its terms, availability, and treatment of pending applications could change while litigation is ongoing.

This overview reflects the state of the program as of July 2026 and will be updated as developments warrant. It is general information, not legal advice; for guidance on your specific circumstances, please contact our office.