Trump launches 'gold card' program selling US green cards for $1 million

The Trump administration has formally launched a new immigration pathway, dubbed the "Gold Card" program, which grants eligible foreign investors a direct route to US permanent residency in exchange for a significant financial contribution. Established by Presidential Executive Order 14351 signed on September 19, 2025, the program sets a price tag of $1 million for individuals or $2 million for company-sponsored applications to secure a priority visa for a Green Card.

Program Mechanics and Official Launch

The application process for the Gold Card program became active in the autumn of 2025, with the relevant forms and procedures now available on an official website. The initial step requires the filing of an I-140G petition with US authorities. Successful applicants, along with their immediate family members, receive lawful permanent resident status, providing a pathway to eventual US citizenship, though it does not grant citizenship directly. The program supersedes the older EB-5 investor visa system.

Controversy and Strategic Implications

President Trump has promoted the initiative as a "historic opportunity" for American companies to retain talent, calling it "very exciting." However, the policy has drawn sharp criticism from opponents who argue it effectively commercializes US citizenship, selling permanent residency to the highest bidders. For nations like Türkiye, with a significant diaspora and business community engaged with the US, such policy shifts necessitate careful analysis of their impact on citizens and bilateral economic relations.