The Trump Gold Card offers wealthy foreigners a streamlined immigrant visa process in exchange for a financial commitment, even as President Donald Trump’s administration tightens other immigration routes and expands deportation enforcement.

Key Takeaways

  • The program, launched in 2025, requires a $1 million individual commitment or $2 million for a business-sponsored applicant, plus administrative fees.
  • The pathway remains subject to immigration laws and security checks; one application had been accepted by April 2026.
  • Immigration arrests reached almost 50,000 in July 2026, according to the Deportation Data Project.

How the Trump Gold Card works

The Gold Card provides a streamlined process for obtaining an immigrant visa, centered on a financial contribution to the US government. An individual must commit $1 million, while the amount doubles for an applicant sponsored by a business or similar organization.

Applicants also face administrative fees and must meet applicable immigration and security requirements. The White House has presented the program as a way to attract entrepreneurs, investors and businesspeople while directing money toward American commerce and industry.

Early uptake appeared limited: one application had been accepted by April 2026. The program differs from conventional employment-based routes that rely primarily on qualifications, employer sponsorship or a qualifying business investment.

Enforcement expands alongside tighter entry rules

The administration has restricted access to asylum procedures, deployed troops and increased pressure on Mexico to limit northbound migration. It has also expanded immigration enforcement and detention.

The Deportation Data Project recorded almost 50,000 immigration arrests in July 2026. Its data showed that 27% of those detained had a criminal background.

By mid-July 2026, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement was deporting an average of 1,255 people a day, compared with an average of 770 a day toward the end of the Biden administration.

Work visas and refugee admissions

On September 18, 2025, Trump introduced a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visas, which businesses use to recruit highly qualified foreign workers. US Citizenship and Immigration Services data showed that H-1B registrations fell 40% in 2026.

The US granted refugee status to 16,292 people in fiscal 2026, including 16,287 South Africans. The administration has also sought to revoke Temporary Protected Status for some groups, leaving their immigration status uncertain.

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