Trump’s $5 Million “Gold Card” Immigration Visa: What We Know So Far
A new immigration initiative is making waves: the proposed $5 million “Trump Gold Card” visa. Announced by President Donald Trump on February 25, 2025, this program aims to replace the existing EB-5 investor visa. The new plan signals a major shift in U.S. immigration policy, favoring high-net-worth individuals without the job creation requirements of its predecessor.
What Is the Trump Gold Card?
Marketed as a premium residency option, the Gold Card will grant “green card privileges plus” and provide a pathway to U.S. citizenship for those willing to invest $5 million. This represents a significant increase from the EB-5 visa, which requires an investment of $800,000 to $1.05 million and mandates the creation of at least 10 U.S. jobs.
The administration, led by Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, asserts that the Gold Card will attract “wealthy and successful” individuals who will spend, invest, and pay taxes in the U.S. The program is expected to launch in mid-March 2025, though key details remain unclear.
Key Differences from the EB-5 Visa
- No job creation requirement: Unlike the EB-5 program, which mandates investment in job-generating projects, the Gold Card visa does not appear to have such conditions.
- Higher cost: At $5 million, this is nearly five times the maximum EB-5 investment requirement.
- Government revenue: Instead of funds being directed toward development projects, the $5 million fee would go straight to the U.S. government. Trump claims this could raise up to $5 trillion if 1 million visas are sold, potentially reducing national debt.
- No confirmed cap: The EB-5 visa program has a limit of 10,000 visas per year. No such cap has been specified for the Gold Card.
Who Qualifies?
While the vetting process is still undefined, Lutnick stated that only “world-class global citizens” will be eligible. Trump even suggested that Russian oligarchs might apply, saying, “I know some that are very nice people”, though vetting would be required.
Indian applicants, particularly those facing long green card backlogs, have shown interest, though the $5 million price tag makes it accessible only to the ultra-wealthy.
Legal & Political Uncertainty
One of the biggest questions is whether the program requires Congressional approval. Trump insists the plan is “totally legal”, but immigration law experts argue that creating new visa categories typically requires legislation. If challenged, the program could face legal hurdles before implementation.
Controversy & Global Comparisons
Reactions to the Gold Card have been mixed:
✅ Supporters argue that it will attract high-spending investors, boost the economy, and reduce national debt.
❌ Critics—including immigration advocates and social media commentators—call it a “citizenship for sale” scheme, favoring the wealthy while sidelining middle-class immigrants.
The U.S. wouldn’t be the first country to introduce a “golden visa” program:
- Portugal offers residency for an investment of €500,000.
- Malta provides citizenship for an even lower investment.
- At $5 million, the Trump Gold Card would be one of the most expensive residency programs in the world.
What’s Next?
With a mid-March launch date looming, many details remain uncertain. The program’s success—or failure—will depend on legal approvals, international demand, and political reactions.
Would you pay $5 million for a U.S. visa? Share your thoughts in the comments.
