Trump Introduces $5 Million "Gold Card" for Fast-Track U.S. Residency

In a groundbreaking announcement, former President Donald Trump has unveiled the "Gold Card" visa program, offering wealthy elites a fast track to permanent U.S. residency and citizenship—for a staggering $5 million price tag.

A Bold Move for Economic Growth

Standing in the Oval Office alongside Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Trump described the program as a "game-changer for America’s economy." Designed to replace the existing EB-5 investor visa, the Gold Card will directly funnel funds into the U.S. Treasury, targeting high-net-worth individuals willing to invest in exchange for residency privileges.

“We’re bringing successful people into the country who will pay significant taxes and create jobs,” Trump stated confidently.

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Gold Card Highlights: A $5 Million Gateway

Dubbed a “green card plus”, the Gold Card provides:

• Expedited U.S. Citizenship: A faster pathway than traditional immigration processes.
• Simplified Investment: A direct $5 million payment to the U.S. Treasury, replacing the $1 million investment previously required under the EB-5 program.

Commerce Secretary Lutnick emphasized the program’s transparency, stating, “The Gold Card eliminates the complexities and fraud risks of the EB-5. It’s straightforward and directly boosts the U.S. economy.”

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How Does It Compare Globally?

While nations like Canada, Australia, the U.K., and Malta have long offered “Golden Visa” programs, the Gold Card marks a significant departure for U.S. immigration policy, which has traditionally maintained stricter pathways.

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A Revenue Strategy or Controversial Policy?

Trump estimated that selling just 10,000 Gold Cards could generate $50 billion, potentially reducing the national deficit.

“This could be huge—maybe fantastic! We sell a million of these, and America wins,” he quipped.

However, critics argue the program “commercializes U.S. residency” and raises concerns about potential misuse. A 2023 OECD report highlighted how global golden visa programs have been exploited for money laundering and tax evasion.

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Legal and Ethical Challenges

The program’s lack of Congressional approval has drawn scrutiny. Trump asserts that the Gold Card is an executive action, bypassing traditional legislative requirements, but legal experts warn that this approach could face significant challenges in court.

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Mixed Reactions Across the Nation

The announcement has sparked a national debate:
✅ Supporters praise the program as a bold economic strategy to attract high-value investors and create jobs.
❌ Critics label it as “selling U.S. residency to the highest bidder.”

Unanswered questions remain:

• Eligibility: Will there be nationality restrictions?
• Screening: How rigorous will background checks be?
• Limits: Will there be a cap on the number of Gold Cards issued?

With details still unfolding, the Gold Card visa program promises to reshape the conversation on U.S. immigration and economic policy.