Watch: Trump Announces Sale of Gold (Cards)

Economic Citizenship

Trump’s Gold Card: A $5 Million Shortcut to U.S. Residency

Donald Trump’s latest immigration proposal, the Trump Gold Card, is exactly what it sounds like: a premium pass to U.S. residency with a $5 million price tag. Announced as a way to attract “world-class global citizens,” this program effectively replaces the existing EB-5 visa system with a more exclusive, higher-dollar alternative.

The plan is simple—wealthy foreigners can buy a direct path to green card privileges, with the added promise of eventual citizenship. The administration sees it as a way to stimulate investment, create jobs, and reduce the national deficit. Critics see it as a pay-to-play scheme that raises ethical and practical concerns.

Bolstering The Economy

The administration argues that the Gold Card program is about economic growth. The premise: wealthy individuals will inject money into the economy, fund businesses, and create jobs.

It also serves a political purpose—shifting immigration from a needs-based system to a merit-based, wealth-driven model.

At a time when the U.S. faces a rising deficit, the idea of bringing in outside capital without raising taxes is appealing. In theory, $5 million per investor could generate significant revenue while simultaneously attracting top-tier business minds. It also positions the U.S. within the global market for “golden visas,” competing with countries like the UK, Portugal, and the UAE, which have long offered similar programs.

How It Works

The Gold Card will be available to select foreign investors who pass a vetting process and put down $5 million. According to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, this will ensure that only "wonderful world-class global citizens" gain access. Trump himself suggested that selling one million of these cards could generate $5 trillion, a number that seems optimistic but outlines the broader economic intent—raising massive capital while bypassing traditional immigration routes.

Compared to the EB-5 visa, which required a $1.05 million investment (or $800,000 in targeted employment areas) and the creation of at least ten jobs, the Gold Card raises the stakes. The higher price point theoretically attracts a different class of investor and avoids some of the fraud that plagued EB-5. It’s a high-net-worth immigration shortcut with less red tape and more exclusivity.

Potential Issues

The $5 million price tag creates a barrier that limits the pool of applicants. While it ensures that only the wealthiest individuals participate, it also narrows the program’s overall impact. Many potential investors might opt for countries with more favorable tax structures and fewer restrictions. The U.S.’s global taxation system remains a deterrent for high-net-worth individuals considering relocation.

Bottom Line

The idea shifts focus from labor-driven pathways to pure capital investment. If successful, it could raise billions in revenue and boost economic activity. It reinforces a broader trend—immigration policy as a business transaction.

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Trump says US will sell $5M ‘gold cards’ to foreigners: ‘Green card privileges-plus’