The administration of Donald Trump has begun implementing a controversial “gold card” residency programme, allowing individuals to obtain US residency in exchange for a substantial financial contribution.
The scheme, introduced through an executive order signed in September last year, offers residency to applicants willing to pay a fee of $1 million. Applications opened in December, and US officials have confirmed that at least one applicant has already been approved.
Speaking to a congressional committee, Howard Lutnick said: “And there are hundreds in the queue” currently undergoing the application process.
Applicants are also required to pay a $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security, with authorities promising what Lutnick described as a “most serious vetting and analysis.” Under the programme, individuals pay $1 million for residency, while corporate-sponsored applications are priced at $2 million.
The initiative was introduced alongside broader immigration changes, including a directive imposing an additional $100,000 annual fee on H-1B skilled worker visas. Trump has previously argued that the scheme would attract wealthy investors and job creators, suggesting it could also contribute to reducing the US national deficit.
Since returning to office in 2025, his administration has pursued a tougher immigration stance, including stricter entry requirements and an increase in deportation raids across the country.