Rabat – US President Donald Trump has launched a new immigration program that lets wealthy foreigners buy a fast-track US residency card, called the “Trump Gold Card,” for $1 million. A more exclusive “Platinum Card” costing $5 million is also on the way.

According to the government website, applicants who pay the $15,000 processing fee, pass background checks, and transfer the $1 million will receive US residency “in record time.” Trump said the program creates “a direct path to citizenship for all qualified and vetted people.” 

Businesses can also sponsor employees, but they must pay $2 million plus extra annual fees. Companies will also need to pay a 1% yearly maintenance fee and a 5% transfer fee each time they assign the visa to a different employee.

The Platinum Card, which is “coming soon,” will allow holders to stay in the US up to 270 days a year without paying US taxes on income earned outside the country. It will cost $5 million.

Trump said the money generated will go into “an account where we can do things positive for the country,” predicting the program will bring in “many billions of dollars.”

Why Trump is doing this

The Trump administration says the new visas will help attract wealthy investors and top global talent while bringing in major revenue for the US. Officials describe it as a way to “keep invaluable talent” and give companies easier access to highly skilled workers.

It is also part of Trump’s controversial immigration strategy, which includes strict enforcement for undocumented immigrants, but open doors for wealthy newcomers who can pay. 

Trump has repeatedly argued that these programs bring financial benefits and make the US more competitive with countries like New Zealand, Portugal, or the UAE that already offer similar visas.

The Gold Card has already sparked strong criticism. Immigrant rights groups say it contradicts America’s image as a country that welcomes people searching for a better life, not only those who can afford to pay. Critics also warn it turns US residency into a product for sale, creating a two-tier immigration system, one for the rich, another for everyone else.

Supporters, however, argue that many countries already have “golden visa” programs and that the US should not fall behind. They say the revenue can help fund government projects and reduce the burden on taxpayers.