Trump Proposes Gold Card: A New Route to US Citizenship?

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a new $5 million ‘gold card’ initiative, offering a direct route to U.S. residency and citizenship. The proposal, which may replace the EB-5 visa program, aims to attract wealthy investors.

In a significant immigration policy shift, former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a new “Gold Card” initiative that would allow immigrants to purchase a pathway to U.S. citizenship for $5 million.

The proposal, unveiled during an Oval Office event alongside Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, is being positioned as an alternative to the existing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa program.

What Is the U.S. ‘Gold Card’?

According to Trump, the proposed gold card will provide green card privileges while also serving as a direct route to American citizenship. “We are going to be selling a gold card,” Trump said.

“It’s going to give you green card privileges, plus it’s going to be a route to citizenship. Wealthy people would be coming into our country by buying this card.”

Although specific details have not yet been released, Trump mentioned that further information about the new program will be provided within the next two weeks.

Will the ‘Gold Card’ Replace EB-5?

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick hinted that the gold card could replace the EB-5 Visa program, with funds going directly to the U.S. government rather than private investment projects.

“The president said rather than having this sort of ridiculous EB-5 program, we’re going to end the EB-5 program. We’re going to replace it with the Trump gold card,” Lutnick stated.

He emphasized that eligible applicants would still undergo vetting but suggested that the new system would streamline the process for high-net-worth individuals willing to contribute to the U.S. economy.

“They can come to America, the president can give them a green card, and they can invest in America. We can use that money to reduce our deficit,” he added.

How Does the EB-5 Program Work?

Congress established the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program in 1990 to stimulate the U.S. economy by creating jobs and attracting capital investment from foreign investors. It is administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Under the current EB-5 program, foreign investors can obtain permanent residency (green card) if they:

Invest at least $1.8 million in a U.S. business located in a non-targeted Employment Area (TEA), or at least $800,000 in a TEA project.
Create or preserve at least 10 permanent, full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers.
Meet other regulatory requirements set by USCIS.

Also Read: Top 10 Residency and Citizenship by Investment Programs for 2025

What This Means for Immigration

If implemented, the gold card could mark a significant departure from traditional investor visa policies, prioritizing direct payments over job creation. While it could attract ultra-wealthy individuals seeking U.S. citizenship, it also raises questions about the accessibility and ethical implications of a pay-to-stay immigration model.

With further details expected soon, prospective investors and immigration experts will be watching closely to see how the proposal unfolds and its potential impact on U.S. immigration policies.

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Manish Khandelwal

Manish Khandelwal, a travel-tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the travel industry. Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Travelobiz.com, he's passionate about writing.

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