Trump: Unveils Bold New Visa Program to Keep Top Global Talent in America
Trump: President Donald Trump recently introduced an ambitious immigration initiative called the Trump Gold Card, designed to solve a long-standing issue that has frustrated American companies and international students alike. For decades, brilliant graduates from leading universities have been forced to leave the United States shortly after completing their education, taking their skills and innovations back to their home countries. Trump described this as a “ridiculous” and “shameful” practice, especially when it involves top performers from nations like India, China, and others who excel at institutions such as Harvard, Wharton, and MIT.
Why the Current System Has Been Failing America
Under the existing rules, even students who graduate at the very top of their class face uncertain futures. Many secure jobs at major U.S. companies, yet lengthy visa backlogs and restrictive policies often send them packing. Trump highlighted conversations with Apple CEO Tim Cook and other business leaders who repeatedly complained that they could hire the best minds in the world, only to lose them because there was no reliable way to guarantee they could stay. This talent drain, the president argued, has cost the United States countless innovations, startups, and economic advantages that end up benefiting competitors abroad.
How the Trump Gold Card Changes Everything
The new program flips the script by offering companies a straightforward way to retain exceptional foreign graduates. Instead of navigating complex lotteries or decade-long green card waits, businesses can now secure a Trump Gold Card that ensures their chosen employee remains in the country long-term. The president emphasized that the initiative provides certainty for employers while bringing in individuals who will contribute significantly to American growth.
What the Gold Card Actually Costs
According to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, individuals can purchase the card for one million dollars, while corporations pay two million dollars per card. Companies using the program also cover a fifteen-thousand-dollar vetting fee, which Lutnick described as the most thorough background check the government has ever conducted. Once approved, the employee gains a clear, employment-linked path to U.S. citizenship in just five years. After that period, the same card can be reused for another qualified candidate, creating a revolving pipeline of high-caliber talent.
A Smarter, Merit-Based Approach to Immigration
Unlike traditional green cards, which Lutnick noted sometimes go to lower-earning individuals more likely to use federal assistance programs, the new system focuses exclusively on high-achieving professionals. The secretary stressed that the Trump Gold Card uses existing visa categories but reserves them for people who will raise the bar, not lower national averages. This shift aligns with the president’s broader vision of attracting only those who can deliver substantial economic and innovative benefits to the United States.
The Massive Economic Windfall for America
One of the most striking aspects of the announcement was the projected revenue. Trump predicted the program would generate many billions of dollars for the federal government, money that can be reinvested into infrastructure, defense, or reducing the national debt. By charging premium prices for these exclusive residency slots, the administration has effectively turned immigration into a profitable engine for national development, rather than a budgetary burden.
Ending the Practice of Sending Talent to Canada and Beyond
For years, frustrated tech giants and startups watched helplessly as rejected graduates moved just across the border to Canada or returned to booming tech hubs in Asia. Trump declared that chapter closed. With the Gold Card website already live, companies can now act immediately to lock in the employees they spent years recruiting and training. Business leaders have reportedly expressed strong enthusiasm, seeing the program as a game-changer for competitiveness in fields like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and advanced engineering.
A Gift That Keeps America Ahead
Supporters argue that keeping the world’s brightest minds is not just good policy; it’s essential for maintaining American leadership in the 21st century. Graduates from top American universities have founded some of the country’s most valuable companies, yet too many were previously forced to build their dreams elsewhere. The Trump Gold Card aims to end that loss permanently, ensuring the next generation of unicorns and breakthroughs happens on U.S. soil.
In the president’s own words, this initiative represents a common-sense fix to a problem everyone in business has complained about for years. By combining rigorous vetting, clear pathways to citizenship, and a revenue-positive structure, the program promises to deliver exactly what America needs: the best global talent, committed to building their future, and the nation’s future, right here.