Trump Proposes $5 Million Gold Card for US Entry

By IndraStra Global Editorial Team

On Wednesday (February 26), U.S. President Donald Trump floated the idea of a $5 million "gold card" that would offer wealthy foreign investors a streamlined path to American citizenship. Unveiled in a press briefing alongside Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the plan aims to overhaul the existing EB-5 immigrant investor visa program, replacing it with a premium residency permit tied to a hefty investment and a citizenship option. Regarding reactions, they range from cautious optimism to measured skepticism, reflecting a nation grappling with how to balance economic innovation with its immigration principles.
Trump pitched the "gold card" with his trademark flair, calling it a step up from the green card. "You have a green card—this is a gold card," he said, emphasizing its exclusivity. "We’re putting a price on that card of about $5 million, and that’s going to give you green card privileges plus a route to citizenship." He argued it would attract "wealthy, successful" individuals who would spend, pay taxes, and create jobs, projecting that selling millions of cards could generate billions—potentially trillions—to tackle the $35 trillion national debt. "Sell a million, that’s $5 trillion; sell 10 million, it’s $50 trillion," he speculated, framing it as a pragmatic boost for the economy. Details remain vague, with a promise of more clarity within two weeks, but the concept builds on the EB-5 model, which since 1990 has granted green cards to foreigners investing at least $1.05 million—or $800,000 in targeted areas—to create 10 jobs.
The EB-5 program, long criticized for inefficiencies and occasional fraud, is ripe for reform, according to Lutnick, who called it "full of nonsense" and a "low-priced" residency shortcut. The gold card ditches job-creation mandates, focusing instead on a steep fee aimed at "high-level people" with wealth or talent. Unlike EB-5’s 10,000-visa cap, Trump suggested no limit, even floating the idea of companies like Apple buying cards for key hires. When pressed about vetting—say, for Russian oligarchs—he acknowledged the possibility with a lighthearted, "I know some that are very nice people," while Lutnick stressed a process to ensure applicants are "world-class global citizens." The pitch is ambitious, but it’s grounded in a global trend: countries like the UK and Portugal offer residency for investments around $1 million, though rarely with citizenship attached.
Reactions are mixed but nuanced. Proponents see economic promise. A $5 million infusion per card could stimulate growth, especially if uncapped sales draw significant foreign capital. Supporters argue it aligns with Trump’s "America First" vision by prioritizing high-net-worth individuals likely to contribute financially, contrasting with EB-5’s uneven track record. On X, some users praised the creativity, with one noting, "It’s a smart way to fund infrastructure without taxing Americans more." Others envision it luring entrepreneurs who might otherwise invest elsewhere, bolstering innovation. The revenue potential is real—selling 500,000 cards could yield $2.5 trillion, a meaningful dent in the deficit—though economists caution that demand might not match Trump’s lofty projections, given the finite pool of multimillionaires.
Skeptics, however, raise practical and ethical concerns without outright dismissing the idea. Legally, the plan’s viability is uncertain. Congress controls citizenship rules, and while the executive can tweak visa policies, scrapping EB-5 and launching a new program may require legislative approval. David Bier of the Cato Institute called it "unusual but not impossible," pointing to global precedents, though he questioned whether $5 million is the right price point. Stewart Verdery, a former homeland security official, noted that bypassing Congress could invite lawsuits, especially since EB-5 is enshrined in law. Trump’s claim that he can act unilaterally—because "we’re not doing citizenship, just the card"—relies on the green card’s status as a precursor to citizenship, not a guarantee, but critics argue the citizenship promise blurs that line.
Fairness is another sticking point. Trump’s campaign focused on curbing illegal immigration, making the gold card’s elite focus a jarring pivot. Some see it as pragmatic—rewarding wealth creators over undocumented entrants—while others, including voices on X, call it a "double standard," asking why the rich get a pass when others face deportation. "It’s not selling citizenship; it’s selling privilege," one user wrote, a view echoed by immigration advocates who worry it sidelines lower-income migrants who’ve long contributed to the U.S. Still, defenders counter that EB-5 already favored the wealthy, and the gold card just raises the bar, not the principle.
Globally, the concept isn’t new. "Golden visa" programs thrive in Europe, though scandals—like Cyprus’s scheme linked to corrupt figures—have fueled reforms. The EU has pushed to phase out citizenship-by-investment over security risks, a cautionary tale for the U.S. Here, vetting will be key: admitting dubious figures could backfire, geopolitically and domestically. Yet, if executed with rigor, it might avoid those pitfalls, drawing comparisons to Canada’s investor programs rather than maligned Caribbean models.
Economically, the plan’s impact hinges on execution. A flood of wealthy residents could boost real estate, retail, and tax rolls, especially in struggling regions. Critics, though, doubt it addresses debt’s structural drivers—spending and tax policy—and warn of inflating perceptions of inequality. Immigration hardliners in Trump’s base might bristle at any new entry path, but his framing as an economic boon could sway them. Meanwhile, liberals who back broader reform see it as too narrow, though some concede it’s a clever revenue idea if paired with wider fixes.
The proposal’s timing signals Trump’s intent to hit the ground running, blending his dealmaker instincts with policy innovation. It’s less about ideology than pragmatism, appealing to his supporters’ economic priorities while testing opponents’ flexibility. Internationally, it could position the U.S. as a magnet for global capital, though rivals like China might cry foul if their tycoons flock westward.

As of the time of writing this article, the gold card remains a concept, not a policy. Its fate depends on several factors—vetting, legal grounding, public appetite—and whether Trump can sell it to a divided Congress and country. It’s neither a slam dunk nor a non-starter, but a bold gamble that could reshape the intersection of immigration and wealth. For now, it’s a conversation starter, forcing Americans to weigh what citizenship means in a competitive world: a privilege earned, a right upheld, or a ticket bought at a premium.

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