U.S. President Donald Trump has officially launched the highly anticipated “Gold Card” — a premium immigration option designed for wealthy applicants willing to pay a $1 million fee in exchange for legal residency and a pathway to U.S. citizenship.

The program, unveiled through Trumpcard.gov, features an “Apply Now” portal where applicants first pay a $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security. After completing background checks, they must make an additional $1 million “contribution” — described on the site as both a “contribution” and a “gift” — to secure the card.

Trump described the card as a superior version of the traditional Green Card.

“Basically, it’s a Green Card, but much better. Much more powerful, a much stronger path,” he told reporters. “A path is a big deal. We want great people.”

According to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the program has already attracted huge interest. He revealed that over 10,000 people pre-registered during the early sign-up phase and expects the final numbers to be much higher.

“I would expect that we’ll sell thousands of these cards and raise billions of dollars,” Lutnick told Reuters.

Lutnick argued that the initiative would attract high-earning individuals who would contribute significantly to the U.S. economy, contrasting them with what he called “average” Green Card holders — though he offered no evidence for the comparison.

Despite Trump’s aggressive stance on immigration — which has led to increased deportations and tougher restrictions on legal entry — the Gold Card program serves as a lucrative exception aimed at generating revenue for the U.S. Treasury.

The administration has also introduced a corporate Gold Card, allowing companies to secure expedited visas for foreign employees with a $2 million contribution per worker.