Trump Unveils $1 Million “Gold Card” Residency Program, Targets H-1B Visas
WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump has announced a new immigration measure alongside a $1 million “gold card” residency program, signaling the latest push in his ongoing crackdown on U.S. immigration. The announcement, made in the Oval Office on Friday, is expected to face legal challenges.
“The main thing is, we’re going to have great people coming in, and they’re going to be paying,” Trump told reporters as he signed the orders.
What’s Changing for H-1B Visas
The new policy affects H-1B skilled worker visas, which allow U.S. companies to sponsor foreign workers with specialized skills — including scientists, engineers, and computer programmers — for an initial three-year term, extendable to six years.
India, which accounts for roughly three-quarters of H-1B recipients, is expected to be most affected. Each year, the United States issues 85,000 H-1B visas through a lottery system. Many large tech firms rely heavily on these workers, who either relocate permanently or travel between India and the U.S.
Tech leaders, including Trump’s former ally Elon Musk, have warned against restricting H-1B visas, arguing that the U.S. does not have enough domestic talent to fill critical positions in the tech sector.
“All the big companies are on board,” Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said, standing alongside Trump in the Oval Office.
A History of H-1B Scrutiny
Trump first targeted the H-1B program during his initial term, but previous attempts faced court challenges. The new measure represents the latest iteration in his broader immigration agenda for a second term.
Under the order, a fee will be required for those seeking to enter the country starting Sunday, although the Homeland Security secretary may exempt certain individuals, companies, or industries. The order is set to expire in one year, but it can be extended by Trump.
H-1B visa applications have surged in recent years, peaking in approvals in 2022 under President Joe Biden. By contrast, the highest rate of rejections occurred in 2018 during Trump’s first term. In 2024, roughly 400,000 H-1B visas were approved, two-thirds of which were renewals.
Gold Card Residency Program
In addition to H-1B reforms, Trump signed an order creating a new expedited pathway to U.S. residency for individuals who pay $1 million, or for corporate sponsors who contribute $2 million.
“I think it’s going to be tremendously successful,” Trump said of the program, which aims to attract high-paying entrants to the country.
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