Trump’s 'Pay-to-Stay' Visa Plan Sparks Economic Gains vs. Talent Drain Debate

Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Launches the Gold Card Program^[1] President Donald J. Trump has launched the “Gold Card” visa program, a new initiative designed to expedite permanent residency for individuals and corporations making substantial financial contributions to the U.S. Treasury. The program, outlined in an executive order signed on September 19, 2025, requires individuals to donate $1 million or corporations to contribute $2 million to qualify for expedited immigration benefits. These donations, which serve as evidence of “exceptional business ability and national benefit,” will be deposited into the Treasury to fund initiatives promoting commerce and American industry Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Launches the Gold Card Program^[1]. The program aligns with broader efforts to “realign Federal immigration policy with the Nation’s interests,” as stated in the White House fact sheet Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Launches the Gold Card Program^[1].

The Gold Card program is part of a dual-pronged overhaul of U.S. immigration policy, which also includes a significant increase in H-1B visa application fees. Under the new rules, the cost of an H-1B visa has risen from $215 to $100,000 per year, effectively tripling the total cost for a three-year visa to $300,000 Trump Sparks Global Immigration Firestorm: Hikes H-1B Fees to $100K and Launches Controversial $1 Million ‘Gold Card’ Fast-Track U.S. Residency Program^[2]. The administration argues that the hike will “recenter American workers at the heart of our economy” by discouraging reliance on foreign high-skilled labor Trump Sparks Global Immigration Firestorm: Hikes H-1B Fees to $100K and Launches Controversial $1 Million ‘Gold Card’ Fast-Track U.S. Residency Program^[2]. However, critics warn that the policy could harm industries like technology and engineering, which depend on H-1B workers to fill critical roles. Silicon Valley leaders have expressed concerns that the increased costs could drive talent to competitor nations such as Canada and the UK Trump Sparks Global Immigration Firestorm: Hikes H-1B Fees to $100K and Launches Controversial $1 Million ‘Gold Card’ Fast-Track U.S. Residency Program^[2].

The Gold Card program has drawn both praise and criticism for its “pay-to-stay” structure. Supporters highlight its potential to generate revenue, with the administration projecting over $100 billion in proceeds from the program. These funds are earmarked for deficit reduction, tax cuts, and economic development . Conversely, legal experts and immigration advocates argue that the program privileges the wealthiest individuals and corporations while marginalizing skilled but less affluent immigrants Trump Sparks Global Immigration Firestorm: Hikes H-1B Fees to $100K and Launches Controversial $1 Million ‘Gold Card’ Fast-Track U.S. Residency Program^[2]. The policy’s legality may also face challenges, with some attorneys warning that the H-1B fee increase could be deemed “excessive” under federal law Trump Shapes Gilded Age of US Immigration With $100,000 H-1B Fee^[3].

The administration frames the Gold Card as a strategic tool to attract “high-value contributors” to the American economy, including entrepreneurs and investors. President Trump emphasized that the program would “generate revenue and provide certainty to immigrants who can make significant contributions,” while his administration has secured major foreign investment commitments from countries like Japan and the European Union Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Launches the Gold Card Program^[1]. However, the policy’s focus on financial contributions over traditional immigration criteria raises questions about its long-term economic impact. Analysts note that while the program may bolster short-term Treasury coffers, it could also deter mid-sized firms and startups from sponsoring international talent Trump Shapes Gilded Age of US Immigration With $100,000 H-1B Fee^[3].

As the Gold Card and H-1B reforms take effect, their implications for global talent flows and U.S. competitiveness remain uncertain. While the administration views the measures as a bold step toward economic revitalization, stakeholders in the tech sector and international communities have raised alarms about potential disruptions to labor markets and innovation ecosystems. The coming months will likely see continued debate over whether these policies will strengthen the U.S. economy or accelerate a “brain drain” to other nations Trump Sparks Global Immigration Firestorm: Hikes H-1B Fees to $100K and Launches Controversial $1 Million ‘Gold Card’ Fast-Track U.S. Residency Program^[2].