President Trump introduces the “Trump Gold Card,” a $5 million visa program offering wealthy investors a path to U.S. citizenship, replacing the EB-5 program.
President Donald Trump has unveiled a new “Trump Gold Card” visa program, offering wealthy foreign investors a pathway to U.S. citizenship for a $5 million fee. This initiative aims to replace the existing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which required a lower investment and has faced criticism for fraud and inefficiency. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick emphasized that the new program seeks to attract affluent individuals who will contribute significantly to the U.S. economy through spending, tax payments, and job creation. The administration plans to launch the “Trump Gold Card” within two weeks, with a thorough vetting process to ensure applicants are exceptional global citizens.
Critics express concerns about the potential security risks and ethical implications of monetizing U.S. residency. Similar programs in other countries have faced scrutiny for enabling money laundering and tax evasion. Despite these concerns, the administration is confident in the program’s legal soundness and its potential to generate substantial revenue, potentially alleviating the national debt.