Trump Launches $5 Million 'Gold Card' Immigration Website for Wealthy Foreigners
US President Donald Trump has unveiled a new immigration pathway, the "gold card," offering potential permanent residency for a $5 million payment. The program, launched via the trumpcard.gov website, is marketed as a fast-track option for high-net-worth individuals, described by Trump as "green card privileges plus." While applications are not yet open, interested parties can register. The card offers a road to citizenship but doesn't grant it automatically, aligning with Trump's "merit-based immigration" push.
Unpacked:
The Gold Card requires a $5 million payment, higher than the EB-5’s $800,000–$1.05 million investment minimum. Unlike the EB-5, which mandates job creation and specific investment projects, the Gold Card is marketed as a premium, fast-track option with fewer requirements and a quicker path to permanent residency, though full details are still emerging.
According to Trump, the Gold Card program is being positioned as an executive-level initiative that bypasses traditional immigration channels and does not require congressional approval, though this claim may face legal or political challenges.
The Gold Card targets wealthy foreigners, including high-net-worth individuals, skilled workers, and investors. Applications can be made individually or as a business, with companies able to sponsor 10 or more people. Applicants can include themselves, their spouse, and others in their household.
Proponents argue it will boost the U.S. economy by attracting wealthy individuals who spend, pay taxes, and create jobs. Critics contend it favors the ultra-rich and may undermine fairness in immigration, potentially sidelining skilled immigrants who cannot pay the high fee.