A Unique Citizenship Route: What Is Trump’s Gold Card Visa?

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

President Trump unveils a bold $5 million “Gold Card” program that promises to transform immigration by attracting wealthy investors while addressing long-standing concerns with existing visa pathways.

Quick Takes

Trump’s new “Gold Card” program offers premium citizenship pathway for $5 million, aiming to replace the fraud-plagued EB-5 visa program
The initiative provides enhanced benefits beyond traditional green cards and targets wealthy individuals who can stimulate economic growth
Revenue generated would go directly to the government, potentially helping reduce the federal deficit
Program set to launch within two weeks without requiring Congressional approval, according to Trump
Administration plans to be selective about recipients, focusing on “wonderful world-class global citizens”

A Premium Path to American Citizenship

President Trump has announced a new immigration initiative that creates a premium pathway to American citizenship for wealthy investors. The “Gold Card” program, priced at $5 million per applicant, represents a significant shift in immigration policy by prioritizing high-net-worth individuals who can make substantial economic contributions. This approach moves away from the current EB-5 program, which has faced persistent criticism over fraud concerns and inefficiencies. The new card will provide all green card privileges along with additional benefits, positioning it as a luxury immigration option for global elites seeking American residency.

During his announcement, Trump described the initiative as offering “green card privileges plus” and emphasized its potential to generate significant revenue while attracting economically valuable immigrants. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed the administration’s intentions to terminate the EB-5 program, characterizing the Gold Card as a superior alternative that directs funds straight to government coffers rather than through intermediaries. Unlike traditional immigration programs that involve lengthy processing times and complex requirements, the Gold Card aims to streamline the process for those with financial means.

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 Strategy

The Gold Card program represents a market-based approach to immigration that prioritizes economic contributions over other factors. According to administration officials, card holders would benefit the American economy through multiple channels, including direct investment, tax payments, and job creation. With a $5 million price tag per card, the program could potentially generate billions in government revenue if successful. Trump has projected ambitious targets, suggesting the government might sell a million or more Gold Cards, which would translate to trillions in potential revenue that could help address the federal deficit.

Implementation plans indicate a rapid timeline, with Trump announcing the program could launch within two weeks. Notably, the president has stated the initiative would not require Congressional approval, suggesting it will be implemented through executive authority. While specific eligibility criteria beyond the financial threshold remain unclear, Trump indicated the program would focus on individuals with money who create jobs. Commerce Secretary Lutnick added that they would ensure recipients are “wonderful world-class global citizens,” signaling a selective approach to approvals.

Addressing EB-5 Program Shortcomings

The Gold Card initiative emerges in response to longstanding concerns with the existing EB-5 investor visa program, which has been criticized for fraud vulnerabilities and complex implementation challenges. Under the current EB-5 program, foreign investors can obtain permanent residency by investing amounts starting at $800,000 in U.S. enterprises that create at least ten American jobs. However, the program has faced scrutiny over misused funds, questionable job creation claims, and extended processing backlogs that have diminished its effectiveness and reputation.

The Gold Card program appears designed to address these issues through simplified requirements centered on a direct financial contribution. By significantly increasing the investment threshold to $5 million and directing funds to the government rather than through regional centers or development projects, the administration aims to enhance transparency and ensure economic benefits flow directly to public coffers. This approach eliminates some of the complex monitoring requirements associated with job creation verification in the EB-5 program while potentially accelerating the approval process for qualified applicants.

Global Target Market and Eligibility

The Gold Card program targets affluent international investors looking for simplified access to American residency and eventual citizenship. During his announcement, Trump mentioned that Russian oligarchs could potentially qualify for the program, suggesting a broad international scope that encompasses wealthy individuals from various regions. While specific criteria beyond the financial threshold have not been fully detailed, the administration has emphasized the program will focus on individuals who can contribute significantly to economic growth through investment and business activities.

Commerce Secretary Lutnick’s statement that recipients would be “wonderful world-class global citizens” suggests additional vetting will occur beyond financial qualification. This indicates the administration intends to be selective about approvals, likely incorporating background checks and other screening measures to ensure participants meet security and character standards. The program represents a significant policy shift toward merit-based immigration with a particular emphasis on economic merit measured primarily through financial capacity and investment potential.