Trump’s $5M Gold Card: Immigration Lawyer’s Opinion
President Donald Trump has announced the “Gold Card”, a fast-track immigration program designed to attract wealthy individuals who will invest in the U.S., create jobs, and pay U.S. taxes.
This visa offers green card privileges and a path to citizenship, making it one of the most direct routes for high-net-worth individuals looking to settle in the U.S. But beyond benefiting applicants, Trump argues that the program will help strengthen the American economy by reducing the deficit and driving job creation.
For those with the means, this could be one of the fastest and most straightforward ways to become a U.S. citizen. Here’s what you need to know.
What is the gold card visa?
We don’t know precisely given that program details have not yet been announced, but we do know that, based on Trump’s comments on the matter, the Gold Card visa is likely to be a new immigration program for wealthy individuals who want to live, work, and contribute to the U.S. economy.
Unlike traditional investor visas that focus only on investment, this program is designed to bring in people who will actively fuel economic growth—by starting businesses, creating jobs, buying property, and paying U.S. taxes.
According to Trump:
| “We are going to be selling a gold card… It’s going to give you green card privileges, plus it’s going to be a route to citizenship.” |
Why is the gold card replacing the EB5 visa?
For years, the EB5 Immigrant Investor Program was the go-to option for wealthy and business-minded immigrants seeking U.S. residency. It required a minimum $800,000 to $1.05 million investment and proof that the investment created at least 10 jobs for U.S. workers.
However, the EB-5 program faced significant challenges, including:
- Backlogs and delays, especially for applicants from China, India, and Vietnam
- Fraud and misuse, where funds were mismanaged, leaving investors stranded
- Inconsistent adjudication times and processing
- Bureaucratic red tape, making it difficult for investors to qualify
The Trump Administration believes the EB-5 visa was too complicated, too slow, and too prone to abuse. By replacing EB-5 with the Gold Card visa, the administration is aiming for a simpler, faster, and more transparent system that focuses on actual economic contributions rather than bureaucratic hurdles.
Who is the gold card visa for?
This gold card visa is not just for passive investors—it’s for individuals who actively want to contribute to the U.S. economy, by living and working in the U.S.
The gold card is ideal for:
- Entrepreneurs & Business Owners: Those looking to launch or expand businesses in the U.S., and who will create job opportunities for Americans
- High-Net-Worth Individuals: Those who are willing to commit capital to contribute to the U.S. economy, spend money, and pay U.S. taxes
What are the requirements for the gold card?
While the exact details of the program are still unfolding, here’s what we know so far:
- A Significant Financial Requirement: While no exact number has been confirmed, reports suggest a $5 million threshold for eligibility.
- Commitment to Economic Growth: Applicants must show they will contribute to the U.S. economy, whether through starting a business, employing U.S. workers, or making high-value investments.
Why is the Trump administration introducing the gold card?
The overarching goal of the Gold Card visa is to drive economic growth by attracting high-spending, tax-paying individuals who will contribute to the U.S. economy. The Trump administration sees this program as a strategy to reduce the national deficit and create more competitive economic opportunities for Americans. By bringing in wealthy immigrants who invest, spend, and pay taxes, the government expects a ripple effect—more businesses will be created, leading to job growth, tax revenue will increase to help address national debt, and consumer spending will rise, stimulating key industries such as real estate, finance, and retail.
