US President Donald Trump has launched a new “gold card” scheme that offers wealthy foreigners a fast-tracked path to American citizenship for a minimum payment of $1 million.
The programme was announced on Wednesday through Trump’s Truth Social account, alongside a dedicated application website run by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Under the scheme, applicants must first pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee. Once they pass a DHS background check, they are required to make a $1 million payment in order to secure residency “in record time”.
The website notes that additional charges from the US Department of State may also apply.
A separate corporate gold card was also introduced, requiring sponsoring companies to pay $2 million, plus a 1% annual maintenance fee and a 5% transfer fee which includes the cost of a fresh background check.
The administration is also preparing a platinum version of the programme, valued at $5 million. Although not yet fully launched, it will reportedly exempt holders from certain taxes and allow them to spend up to 270 days in the United States each year without being taxed on foreign income.
The launch comes as the Trump administration intensifies its hardline immigration policy, which includes mass deportations of undocumented migrants and efforts to end birthright citizenship for children of people living in the country illegally.
Trump had earlier hinted that millions of these cards could eventually be sold. With a starting cost of $1 million, the scheme is now one of the most expensive citizenship-by-investment routes in the world.
Similar programmes in other countries typically range from $250,000 to €750,000.
Human rights groups have criticised the initiative, arguing that it contradicts America’s long-standing image as a nation that welcomes the poor, the vulnerable, and those seeking new opportunities.