US President Donald Trump has launched a new “gold card” programme that gives wealthy foreigners a faster route to U.S. citizenship if they can pay at least $1 million.
Trump announced the programme on Wednesday in a post on Truth Social and shared a link to a website where people can submit applications.
Applicants must first pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
After a background check, they are required to make a $1 million payment to secure U.S. residency in what the government describes as “record time.”
The website also noted that extra fees to the U.S. Department of State may apply depending on the individual.
The government also rolled out a separate corporate gold card. Under this option, companies sponsoring employees must pay $2 million plus additional charges.
Businesses will also be required to pay a yearly maintenance fee of one percent and a five percent transfer fee, which covers a fresh DHS background check.
A second tier, known as the platinum card and priced at $5 million, has also been announced.
Although not fully launched yet, this card is expected to exempt holders from certain taxes.
Those approved will be able to stay in the United States for up to 270 days each year without paying taxes on income earned outside the country.
The programme comes at a time when the Trump administration is taking a tougher stance on immigration, intensifying deportations and pushing to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants.
Trump first mentioned the gold card idea earlier this year, saying that millions could potentially be sold.
With its official rollout, the scheme is now one of the costliest citizenship pathways in the world.
Most citizenship-by-investment programmes range between $250,000 and €750,000.
Human rights groups have criticised the gold card plan, arguing that it goes against America’s long-held image as a country that offers opportunity to the poor and vulnerable, not just the wealthy.
KanyiDaily also reported that the United States is planning to make it compulsory for millions of travellers to submit their social media details before entering the country.
