U.S. President Donald Trump has launched a controversial new immigration initiative called the “Gold Card,” offering wealthy foreigners a pathway to U.S. permanent residency in exchange for a $5 million payment.

The program was unveiled Wednesday through an official website, trumpcard.gov, where interested individuals can register their details. Applications are not yet open, but users can join a waitlist to be notified when the program becomes available.

“For five million dollars, the Trump card is coming,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. He touted it as a “beautiful road” to accessing “the Greatest Country and Market anywhere in the World.”

The Gold Card is marketed as a fast-track alternative to the EB-5 investor visa, aimed at attracting high-net-worth individuals and global talent. Trump described it as “green card privileges plus,” emphasizing that while it grants permanent residency, it does not offer immediate citizenship.

“It’s somewhat like a green card, but at a higher level of sophistication,” Trump said. “It’s a road to citizenship for people of wealth or people of great talent.”

The launch has sparked both interest and debate. Supporters see it as a bold move to boost investment and attract global elites. Critics argue it creates a two-tiered immigration system, prioritizing the wealthy while restricting access for others.

According to the website, the $5 million payment grants eligibility for permanent residency but still requires applicants to meet legal and residency requirements for eventual citizenship.

The announcement comes as Trump continues to advocate for “merit-based immigration,” proposing policies that favor investment and high skill over family-based or humanitarian pathways.