In early 2025, President Donald Trump announced a new immigration initiative: the "Trump Gold Card." This proposal aims to offer wealthy individuals a pathway to U.S. residency and citizenship in exchange for a substantial financial contribution. But what does this Gold Card actually entail, and how does it compare to existing immigration programs?​

What Is the Trump Gold Card?

The Trump Gold Card is a proposed immigration program that would grant lawful permanent residency—and eventually citizenship—to foreign nationals who pay a $5 million fee to the U.S. government. This initiative is intended to replace the existing EB-5 investor visa program, which requires a minimum investment of $800,000 to $1.05 million in U.S. businesses and the creation of at least 10 American jobs. ​

Unlike the EB-5, the Gold Card does not mandate job creation or specific investments in U.S. enterprises. Instead, it focuses on attracting high-net-worth individuals willing to contribute directly to the federal coffers. President Trump has suggested that this program could generate significant revenue to help reduce the national debt. ​

Key Features of the Gold Card

• Cost: A one-time payment of $5 million to the U.S. government.​
• Residency: Grants lawful permanent residency, similar to a green card.​
• Citizenship Pathway: Provides a route to U.S. citizenship over time.​
• Tax Implications: Initial statements from President Trump indicated that Gold Card holders would not be taxed on foreign income. However, subsequent remarks have created ambiguity regarding this exemption. ​
• Eligibility: Targeted at wealthy individuals, including business leaders and investors. Applicants would undergo vetting to ensure they are "world-class global citizens." ​

Comparison with the EB-5 Visa Program

The EB-5 program has been a longstanding avenue for foreign investors to obtain U.S. residency by investing in American businesses and creating jobs. In contrast, the Gold Card proposal removes the investment and job creation requirements, focusing solely on a direct financial contribution.​

Critics argue that this shift prioritizes wealth over economic contribution, potentially reducing the program's impact on job creation and economic development. Additionally, the higher cost may limit accessibility to a narrower group of ultra-wealthy individuals. ​

Legal and Legislative Considerations

Implementing the Gold Card program would require significant changes to existing immigration laws. Legal experts point out that the President cannot unilaterally alter immigration policy to this extent without Congressional approval. As of now, no formal legislation has been introduced to establish the Gold Card program. ​

Global Context and Reception

The concept of exchanging financial investment for residency or citizenship is not new. Several countries, including Portugal, Malta, and the United Arab Emirates, offer similar "golden visa" programs at varying investment levels. However, the $5 million price tag of the U.S. Gold Card is significantly higher than most international counterparts. ​

This high cost has led to skepticism about the program's attractiveness, especially when other countries offer more affordable and established pathways to residency.​

Conclusion

The Trump Gold Card proposal represents a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, emphasizing wealth as the primary criterion for residency and citizenship. While it aims to generate substantial revenue and attract affluent individuals, the program's feasibility remains uncertain due to legal, legislative, and practical challenges.​

As of now, the Gold Card remains a proposal without formal legislative backing. Potential applicants and interested parties should monitor developments closely and consult with immigration professionals before making decisions based on this initiative.