The debate over U.S. immigration policies has taken a new turn with President Donald Trump’s latest proposal— a $5 million ‘Gold Card’ that grants wealthy foreign investors a fast-track route to U.S. citizenship. This initiative, announced in the Oval Office, is set to replace the controversial EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which has long been criticized for loopholes, inefficiencies, and allegations of fraud. Under Trump’s new plan, affluent individuals willing to make a significant financial contribution to the U.S. economy could secure permanent residency and an eventual pathway to American citizenship. While the policy aims to attract high-net-worth individuals who can stimulate economic growth, it also raises ethical and legal questions about the commercialization of U.S. citizenship.
Trump’s Plan: What is the $5 Million ‘Gold Card’?
According to Trump, the ‘Gold Card’ would be priced at $5 million and would offer foreign investors the same privileges as a Green Card—including permanent residency, work authorization, and a clear path to naturalization. Unlike the EB-5 program, which required a minimum investment of $800,000 to $1.8 million in job-creating businesses, the Gold Card will have a fixed price that applicants must pay upfront.
Trump described the initiative as a premium alternative to the existing investment visa program, stating:
“Wealthy people will be coming into our country by buying this card. They’ll be successful, they’ll be spending a lot of money, paying a lot of taxes, and creating jobs.”
The Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, further elaborated that the program would ensure that only high-caliber investors enter the U.S. by eliminating the “nonsense, make-believe, and fraud” associated with EB-5 visas.