Trump Proposes $5M ‘Gold Card’ Visa with Path to Citizenship \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ President Donald Trump announced plans to introduce a $5 million “gold card” visa, offering a pathway to U.S. citizenship for wealthy investors. The initiative would replace the EB-5 visa program, which currently grants U.S. visas to individuals investing $1 million and creating jobs. Trump claims the new system will generate trillions in revenue and reduce the national debt, arguing that wealthy immigrants will boost the economy. While Congress controls citizenship rules, Trump asserts that his plan does not require congressional approval.
Trump’s $5M ‘Gold Card’ Visa: Quick Looks
- High-Priced U.S. Visa: The proposed $5 million “gold card” visa offers a path to U.S. citizenship for wealthy investors.
- Replacing the EB-5 Program: Trump aims to replace the existing EB-5 visa, which requires a $1 million investment and job creation.
- Revenue Generation: Trump suggests that selling 1 million visas could generate $5 trillion to help pay off the national debt.
- Vetting & Security: Trump promises thorough screening, but details on eligibility and restrictions remain unclear.
- Global Precedent: Over 100 countries, including Canada, the UK, and Spain, offer similar “golden visa” programs.
Deep Look
Trump Proposes a High-Priced ‘Gold Card’ Visa to Replace EB-5
In a major shift to U.S. immigration policy, President Donald Trump announced plans for a $5 million “gold card” visa, offering wealthy investors a direct path to U.S. citizenship. The initiative, which would replace the EB-5 visa program, aims to attract high-net-worth individuals while generating substantial government revenue.
Speaking at his first Cabinet meeting of his second term, Trump boldly predicted the program’s success, stating:
“I happen to think it’ll sell like crazy. It’s a market.”
Trump suggested that the funds generated from selling “gold cards” could be used to pay down the national debt, adding:
“If we sell a million, that’s $5 trillion dollars.”
With immigration policy remaining a politically charged issue, Trump’s new proposal could become one of the most debated initiatives of his second term.
How the ‘Gold Card’ Visa Differs from the EB-5 Program
Currently, the EB-5 investor visa program, in place for over 35 years, grants U.S. residency to foreign nationals who:
- Invest at least $1 million in a U.S. business.
- Create at least 10 American jobs through their investment.
Trump’s new “gold card” visa program would increase the price to $5 million and remove the job-creation requirement. According to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the EB-5 program has been “poorly overseen, poorly executed”, and the new initiative would offer a streamlined process with higher financial requirements.
“Companies can buy gold cards and, in exchange, get those visas to hire new employees.” – President Trump
Unlike EB-5 visas, which are capped annually, Trump suggested there could be no limit on the number of “gold cards” sold, allowing millions of investors to enter the U.S.
Trump’s Justification: Wealthy Immigrants Will Boost the Economy
Trump argued that the new visa program would attract high-net-worth individuals who will contribute to the U.S. economy through:
- Business investment
- High tax contributions
- Job creation
He dismissed concerns that a similar pay-for-citizenship model already exists in Europe, Canada, and Australia, asserting that:
“No other country can do this because people don’t want to go to other countries. They want to come here.”
Trump also claimed demand for U.S. visas has skyrocketed since his reelection victory on November 5, stating:
“Everybody wants to come here, especially since Nov. 5.”
Potential Impact on U.S. Immigration Policy
If implemented, the gold card visa program would mark one of the most dramatic shifts in U.S. immigration history, aligning the U.S. with over 100 countries that offer “golden visas”.
Key Differences Between the ‘Gold Card’ and EB-5 Visa
| Feature | EB-5 Visa | Trump’s ‘Gold Card’ Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Requirement | $1 million | $5 million |
| Job Creation Requirement | 10 American jobs | No requirement |
| Path to Citizenship | Unclear | Yes |
| Annual Cap | Limited | Possibly unlimited |
According to Henley & Partners, a global investment migration advisory firm, countries such as Canada, the UK, Spain, and Australia have already capitalized on offering visas for high-net-worth individuals.
However, Trump’s proposal would set the U.S. apart by offering a direct route to citizenship, something most other nations do not provide with their golden visa programs.
Potential Challenges: Fraud & National Security Concerns
Trump’s plan could face significant legal and ethical scrutiny, particularly regarding fraud prevention and national security risks.
- Concerns About Illegally Obtained Funds
- The Congressional Research Service (CRS) has previously raised concerns that investor visas can be exploited for money laundering and fraud.
- In 2022, then-President Joe Biden signed a law tightening oversight on EB-5 visas due to fraud allegations.
- Security Screening Challenges
- Critics may argue that selling visas to the highest bidder could pose risks.
- Trump offered few details on how the vetting process would work, only stating that applicants would “go through a process”.
- Foreign Relations Impact
- The inclusion or exclusion of countries like China and Iran could spark diplomatic tensions.
- When asked about restrictions, Trump said the program would “not be restricted too much in terms of countries, but maybe in terms of individuals.”
Trump’s Vision: A New Era for U.S. Immigration?
Trump envisions the “gold card” visa as more than just a green card—it’s a premium pathway to U.S. citizenship for the world’s wealthiest individuals.
“It’s somewhat like a green card, but at a higher level of sophistication.” – President Trump
Unlike existing visa programs, the gold card would allow companies to sponsor top global talent, making it:
- A tool for attracting billionaires and elite professionals.
- A potential game-changer in U.S. immigration policy.
- A strategy to raise funds for national debt reduction.
While details remain unclear, Trump suggested selling up to 10 million visas, stating:
“It could be great, maybe it will be fantastic.”
Conclusion: A Bold Proposal with Uncertain Prospects
Trump’s $5 million ‘gold card’ visa represents a radical shift in U.S. immigration policy, aimed at attracting wealthy investors while raising trillions in government revenue.
- Supporters argue it could boost the economy and reduce national debt.
- Critics warn it could lead to fraud, national security risks, and ethical concerns over selling citizenship.
With Congress holding authority over U.S. citizenship rules, Trump’s claim that the program doesn’t require congressional approval could face legal challenges.
As details continue to emerge, Trump’s “gold card” visa plan is likely to ignite intense debate over the future of U.S. immigration policy.
Trump Proposes $5M Trump Proposes $5M
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