Trump Unveils $5 Million ‘Gold Card’ Visa: A New Path to U.S. Citizenship for Wealthy Investors
Washington, D.C. – In a bold move that could redefine U.S. immigration policy, President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday his proposal for a “Gold Card” visa—a high-value alternative to the existing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. The new visa would grant green card privileges and provide a direct route to American citizenship for foreign investors willing to pay a staggering $5 million.
“We are going to be selling a gold card,” Trump declared to reporters, emphasizing that the program would attract wealthy individuals who could contribute significantly to the U.S. economy. “We are going to be putting a price on that card of about $5 million.”
A Shake-Up in U.S. Immigration Policy
The existing EB-5 program, established in 1990, allows foreign investors to obtain a U.S. visa by injecting capital into American businesses and creating or preserving at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. However, Trump and his administration are pushing for its replacement, arguing that the program has been plagued by inefficiencies and fraud.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick echoed this sentiment, dismissing the EB-5 program as “full of nonsense, make-believe, and fraud.” He confirmed that Trump’s new initiative would eliminate it entirely in favor of the more exclusive “Gold Card” visa.
“It was a way to get a green card that was low price,” Lutnick asserted. “So the president said, rather than having this sort of ridiculous EB-5 program, we’re going to end it. We’re going to replace it with the Trump Gold Card.”
A Gateway for the Ultra-Rich—Including Russian Oligarchs?
Trump’s announcement quickly sparked controversy when he was asked whether Russian oligarchs could purchase the Gold Card visa. His response was candid: “Yeah, possibly. Hey, I know some Russian oligarchs that are very nice people.”
The statement is expected to fuel further debate, particularly as concerns over foreign influence and money laundering have long been attached to investor visa programs worldwide. Critics argue that such programs provide an easy avenue for the ultra-wealthy to bypass standard immigration processes, while proponents say they boost economic growth by attracting high-net-worth individuals.
A Global Trend in Investor Visas
The U.S. is not alone in offering citizenship-by-investment pathways. The United Kingdom’s Tier 1 (Investor) visa, for example, requires a minimum investment of five to ten million pounds for foreign nationals seeking residency. Similarly, countries such as Canada, Portugal, and Australia have implemented investor-friendly visa programs to attract global capital.
More details on the Gold Card visa are expected in the coming weeks, as the proposal undergoes further scrutiny from lawmakers, business leaders, and the public. Whether it will replace the EB-5 program entirely or face legislative hurdles remains to be seen.
For now, Trump’s latest immigration strategy signals a clear shift—one that prioritizes economic power over traditional visa requirements. With a $5 million price tag, the American Dream may soon come with a golden ticket—reserved only for the world’s wealthiest.
