Forget your American Express Gold card, Trump’s new, fanciful card promises the American Dream (whatever that is these days).
The Trump administration unveiled a controversial new proposal this week: a “Gold Card” program aimed at people seeking to immigrate to the United States, a move officials described as a streamlined, merit-based pathway but critics blasted as a luxury shortcut available only to the wealthy.
Announced at a press conference marked by fanfare and metallic branding, the Gold Card is pitched as a premium-tier immigration track offering expedited processing, enhanced support services, and what the administration called “concierge-level guidance” for applicants who can afford the substantial fee.
Trump praised the program as “a bold, beautiful innovation” that he said would “bring in the best people faster than ever before.”
Immigration advocates reacted with immediate concern, arguing that the plan elevates wealth over need and transforms a humanitarian and legal process into a commercial product.
Trump has said Gold Card applicants will be “very carefully” vetted. But he really didn’t have much to say when a reporter asked if Russian oligarchs, for example, would be eligible for gold cards.
“Yeah possibly,” Trump replied. “I know some Russian oligarchs that are very nice people.”
Reaction among prospective immigrants was mixed, with some calling the card an opportunity and others viewing it as an exclusionary symbol.
Will a foreigner pony up to pay $5 million?