Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Launches the Gold Card Program
9/19/2025
Action Summary
- Program Establishment: Creation of the Gold Card visa program to expedite immigrant visas for aliens making significant financial contributions to the United States.
- Financial Thresholds: Expedited admission for individuals donating at least $1 million or $2 million when funded by a corporation or similar entity on behalf of an individual.
- Interagency Coordination: Directs the Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security, to establish and implement the program, including application processes, fees, and potential visa category expansions.
- Purpose of Contributions: Gifts are to be deposited into the Treasury and used to promote commerce and support American industry, serving as evidence of exceptional business capability and national benefit.
- Policy Realignment: Aims to reform Federal immigration policy by prioritizing high-value contributors, countering the previous administration’s policies which allegedly allowed exploitation by cartels, terrorists, and misuse of the refugee process.
- Economic Impact: Designed to generate revenue and provide stability for economically beneficial immigrants, while revitalizing American industry and attracting substantial foreign investments.
- Strategic Vision: Reflects President Trump’s commitment to undoing previous policies and supercharging U.S. economic growth through significant foreign investment pledges, including major commitments from Japan ($550 billion) and the European Union ($600 billion).
Risks & Considerations
- The introduction of the Gold Card program could lead to a shift in immigration patterns, prioritizing wealthy individuals and potentially impacting the diversity of the student body at Vanderbilt University. This may affect the university’s commitment to inclusivity and diverse perspectives.
- There is a risk that the focus on financial contributions as a criterion for immigration could lead to public perception issues, where the value of individuals is seen primarily in economic terms rather than cultural or intellectual contributions.
- The program’s emphasis on attracting wealthy investors may lead to increased competition among universities to attract these individuals, potentially affecting Vanderbilt’s recruitment strategies and international partnerships.
- Vanderbilt University may need to consider how these changes in immigration policy could affect its international student recruitment and retention, particularly in terms of visa processing and compliance with new regulations.
Impacted Programs
- Office of International Student and Scholar Services at Vanderbilt may need to adjust its support services to accommodate changes in visa processing and requirements under the Gold Card program.
- Vanderbilt’s Development and Alumni Relations could explore opportunities to engage with high-net-worth individuals who may be interested in the Gold Card program, potentially leading to increased philanthropic contributions.
- The Peabody College of Education and Human Development might see increased demand for research on the impacts of immigration policy changes on educational access and equity.
- Vanderbilt’s partnerships with international institutions may need to be reevaluated to ensure alignment with the new immigration policies and to maintain a diverse and inclusive academic environment.
Financial Impact
- The Gold Card program could lead to increased foreign investment in the U.S., potentially benefiting Vanderbilt through enhanced funding opportunities for research and development projects.
- Vanderbilt University might experience changes in its funding landscape, particularly if federal grants prioritize projects that align with the economic goals of the Gold Card program.
- There may be opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for initiatives that support entrepreneurship and innovation, aligning with the program’s focus on attracting successful business individuals.
- The shift in immigration policy could affect the demographics of students applying to Vanderbilt, potentially impacting tuition revenue and financial aid distribution.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential impacts on diversity and recruitment strategies.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor the implementation of the Gold Card program to understand its impact on international student recruitment and potential collaborations with foreign investors. This could open new avenues for funding and partnerships that align with the university’s strategic goals.
- The International Student and Scholar Services should evaluate how the Gold Card program might affect the visa processes for international students and scholars. By understanding these changes, the office can better support prospective students and faculty in navigating the new immigration landscape.
- Vanderbilt’s Business School could explore opportunities to engage with entrepreneurs and investors entering the U.S. through the Gold Card program. This engagement could include offering executive education programs or collaborative research projects that leverage the expertise of these high-value contributors.
- The Development and Alumni Relations Office should consider strategies to attract donations from international alumni and investors who may benefit from the Gold Card program. By aligning fundraising efforts with the program’s incentives, the university can enhance its financial resources and global network.
Opportunities
- The Gold Card program presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt University to strengthen its global presence by attracting high-net-worth individuals who can contribute to the university’s mission through financial gifts and partnerships.
- By leveraging the program’s focus on business and entrepreneurship, Vanderbilt’s Innovation Center can foster collaborations with international entrepreneurs, enhancing its role as a leader in innovation and economic development.
- The emphasis on attracting foreign investment aligns with Vanderbilt’s goals of expanding its research and development capabilities. The university can seek partnerships with international corporations and investors to fund cutting-edge research initiatives.
Relevance Score: 4 (The Gold Card program presents significant opportunities for Vanderbilt to enhance its international collaborations and funding sources, requiring major strategic adjustments.)
Timeline for Implementation
N/A: No specific timeline or deadline is mentioned for implementing the directives.
Relevance Score: 1
Impacted Government Organizations
- Department of Commerce: Charged with establishing the Gold Card program and depositing the gifts into the Treasury to promote commerce and American industry.
- Department of State: Instructed to coordinate in implementing the Gold Card program, including establishing application processes and potential expansions.
- Department of Homeland Security: Tasked with taking necessary security and legal steps to ensure that expedited immigrant visas are granted while considering national security concerns.
- Department of the Treasury: Responsible for receiving the financial gifts and utilizing them in a manner that benefits commerce, thereby integrating fiscal and immigration policy.
Relevance Score: 2 (A moderate number of Federal agencies are impacted by this order.)
Responsible Officials
- Secretary of Commerce – Responsible for establishing the Gold Card program, depositing the gifts into the Treasury, and promoting commerce and American industry.
- Secretary of State – Coordinating with other agencies to implement the Gold Card program, including establishing processes, fees, and potential expansions.
- Secretary of Homeland Security – Collaborating to take all necessary steps to implement the Gold Card program with attention to legal and security concerns.
Relevance Score: 4 (Directives impact agency heads, including heads of major departments responsible for immigration, commerce, and security.)