The US is getting ready for a dramatic overhaul of its immigration system, with an intention to revamp the H-1B visa and green card processes along with the launch of a new “gold card” residency pathway, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said.
Referring to the existing H-1B visa program as “terrible” in an interview to Fox News, Mr. Lutnick stated that under the Trump administration reforms were in progress. “I’m involved in changing the H-1B visa program. We’re going to change that programme because that’s terrible, right? We’re going to change the green card,” he said. “That’s the gold card that’s coming. And that’s when we’re going to start picking the best people to come into this country. It’s time for that to change.”
The envisioned Gold Card program would provide permanent residence to foreign investors who invest at least $5 million into the United States. Lutick said that interest in the program is already robust, with perhaps 250,000 potential applicants — a number that could bring up to $1.25 trillion in revenue if materialized.
The new plan highlights the administration’s attempt to bring not only high-skilled talent but also high-net-worth people who can invest heavily in the U.S. economy. While it might be perceived by critics as benefiting the rich, proponents believe it can spur job creation and economic growth.
President Trump reiterated the need to bring in “quality people” in a White House speech on August 26, 2025. In support of the function of the H-1B program, he emphasized that it is still a vital mechanism to bring in skilled workers. “You have to get the best people… We have to have the quality people coming in. By doing that, we’re expanding businesses, and that takes care of everybody,” Trump stated.
This is a subtle change of tone from his initial term, during which his administration imposed stringent caps on H-1B visas based on complaints that businesses were using them to outsource American jobs to cheaper foreign labor. In 2016, Trump even denounced the program as “abuse” and “economic strain.
Now, the suggested twin-track strategy – safeguarding and streamlining H-1B visas while launching the high-value Gold Card – is a sign of a more comprehensive plan to balance talent-driven immigration with economic rewards.
As talks proceed, corporate executives and immigration analysts will monitor closely the way reforms play out and what it might portend for the U.S. workforce and economy of the future.
Leo Cruz brings sharp insights into the world of politics, offering balanced reporting and analysis on the latest policies, elections, and global political events. With years of experience covering campaigns and interviewing world leaders, Leo ensures readers are always informed and engaged.
