What Is Trump’s “Gold Card” Visa Proposal for Wealthy Investors?

I don't know who this is, man in suit with thumbs up.

President Trump unveils revolutionary $5 million “Gold Card” visa program to attract wealthy investors while promising enhanced benefits over the traditional green card.

Key Takeaways

Trump’s “Gold Card” visa would cost $5 million and offer a premium pathway to U.S. citizenship with enhanced benefits beyond a standard green card.
The program aims to replace the EB-5 visa program, which has been plagued by widespread fraud.
Revenue from Gold Card sales would go directly to the U.S. government, potentially helping reduce the national deficit.
The initiative targets wealthy individuals who can create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Trump claims the program could be implemented within two weeks without Congressional approval.

A Premium Pathway to American Citizenship

President Donald Trump has announced plans to implement a new “Gold Card” visa program, marketed as a premium alternative to the traditional green card for wealthy immigrants. Priced at $5 million per card, this initiative aims to attract high-net-worth individuals seeking a pathway to American citizenship. The Gold Card would provide all the benefits of a green card plus additional privileges, creating an exclusive immigration option for affluent investors looking to establish themselves in the United States. According to the announcement, the program is expected to launch within two weeks, though specific implementation details remain unclear.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has indicated that the Gold Card would replace the existing EB-5 visa program, which currently grants green cards to immigrant investors but has faced significant criticism due to widespread fraud issues. The administration emphasizes that this new program would direct funds straight to the U.S. government rather than through private investment channels, potentially generating substantial revenue that could help address the national deficit. Trump himself has suggested the government could potentially sell a million or more Gold Cards, which would represent a significant economic windfall.

President Trump wants to offer wealthy immigrants “gold cards,” offering to sell them the possibility of citizenship for $5 million. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggested the program would begin in two weeks and replace the existing EB-5 immigrant investor program. pic.twitter.com/SSNMLPjtln

— The Associated Press (@AP) February 26, 2025

Economic Benefits and Selection Criteria

The Trump administration has highlighted the economic advantages of attracting wealthy immigrants through the Gold Card program with Trump stating “We’re gonna be selling a gold card. You have a green card, this is a gold card. We’re gonna be putting a price on that card of about $5 million and that’s gonna give you green card privileges plus.” These individuals would contribute to the American economy through their substantial spending power, tax payments, and job creation initiatives. The program specifically targets those with significant financial resources who can make meaningful economic contributions upon arrival. Unlike the current EB-5 program, which requires smaller investments often directed through regional centers, the Gold Card would demand a much higher direct payment to the government itself.

Trump has described the Gold Card as offering “a higher level of sophistication” compared to standard green cards. The administration intends to be highly selective about who qualifies for the program, focusing on individuals they deem to be “wonderful world-class global citizens.” Commerce Secretary Lutnick emphasized this point, suggesting that applicants would need to meet certain qualifications beyond simply having the financial means to purchase the card. Trump noted that the program would target “people with money and people that create jobs,” underscoring the economic focus of this immigration initiative.

Replacing the Troubled EB-5 Program

The Gold Card initiative represents a significant shift from the current EB-5 visa program, which has been criticized for its vulnerability to fraud and misuse. Under the existing system, foreign investors can obtain green cards by investing $800,000 to $1.05 million in U.S. businesses that create or preserve jobs. However, this program has faced numerous scandals involving misappropriation of funds and investments that failed to deliver promised economic benefits. The Trump administration views the Gold Card as a more straightforward and secure alternative that would eliminate many of these issues.

Trump has suggested that the Gold Card program could potentially be open to a wide range of wealthy individuals from around the world, including Russian oligarchs, provided they meet the program’s criteria. The administration has emphasized that thorough vetting would be part of the application process to ensure that only qualified individuals receive the cards. While some questions remain about the legal framework for implementing such a program without Congressional approval, Trump has expressed confidence that his administration can move forward with the initiative rapidly, suggesting it could be operational within two weeks of announcement.