Exclusive Visa Pathway for Affluent Investors Eyeing U.S. Citizenship

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

President Trump’s new $5 million “Gold Card” offers wealthy immigrants a premium path to citizenship while promising to boost the American economy through significant investments and job creation.

Key Takeaways

President Trump is launching a new “Gold Card” program costing $5 million as an upscale alternative to the traditional green card
The program aims to replace the EB-5 visa program, which has been vulnerable to fraud
Funds collected will go directly to the government, potentially helping reduce the national deficit
The administration will be selective about recipients, targeting wealthy individuals who will create jobs and boost the economy
Trump claims the program could be implemented within two weeks without Congressional approval

A Premium Path to American Citizenship

President Donald Trump has unveiled plans for an exclusive “Gold Card” immigration program targeting wealthy foreign investors willing to pay $5 million for expedited access to American citizenship. The initiative represents a significant shift in immigration policy by creating a premium option positioned above the traditional green card system. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed the program would replace the existing EB-5 visa program, which has been plagued by fraud concerns despite its purpose of granting residency to immigrant investors.

Trump described the new offering as “somewhat like a green card, but at a higher level of sophistication 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.” ” The Gold Card would provide all green card privileges plus additional benefits, though specific details about these enhanced features remain undefined. The administration emphasized that the program would be highly selective, focusing on individuals with significant financial resources who can make meaningful contributions to the American economy.

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 Implementation

According to the Trump administration, the Gold Card program has been designed with clear economic objectives. “We’re going to make sure they’re wonderful world-class global citizens,” stated Lutnick, highlighting the administration’s intention to be selective about qualified applicants. The $5 million price tag is expected to generate substantial revenue for the federal government, with Trump suggesting the potential for selling “a million or more” Gold Cards.

Unlike the EB-5 program, where investor funds typically go to private developers, money from Gold Card purchases would flow directly to the U.S. Treasury. This funding structure could help address budget concerns by providing a new revenue stream. Trump has indicated the program could begin operations within two weeks, claiming implementation would not require Congressional approval, though this assertion has raised questions among legal experts about executive authority on immigration policy.

Target Applicants and Eligibility

The Gold Card program will explicitly target wealthy individuals capable of making significant economic investments. “It will be people with money and people that create jobs,” Trump stated, making clear the program’s focus on economic contributions rather than humanitarian considerations. In comments that raised eyebrows among some policy experts, Trump mentioned that Russian oligarchs could potentially qualify for the program, suggesting a broad international scope for potential applicants.

The administration has emphasized the economic benefits that Gold Card holders would bring by spending money in the United States, paying taxes, and generating employment opportunities. While specific eligibility criteria beyond the $5 million investment have not been detailed, Commerce Secretary Lutnick’s comments suggest a vetting process will ensure recipients are “world-class global citizens.” The program appears designed to complement Trump’s broader immigration agenda, which includes stricter enforcement against illegal immigration while creating streamlined pathways for those bringing significant economic value.