In a bold and unprecedented move, President Donald Trump has proposed a new immigration initiative that could generate trillions of dollars while reshaping America’s approach to attracting global talent. Dubbed the “Gold Card” visa, the plan aims to offer a pathway to US citizenship for a hefty price—$5 million per applicant.
The pitch: Trillions to pay off debt
During his first full cabinet meeting of his second term, Trump and his Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, introduced the proposal as a way to reduce the nation’s debt. Lutnick claimed that selling 200,000 of these high-priced visas could generate $1 trillion in revenue.
“If we sell a million, that’s $5 trillion,” Trump added, emphasizing the program’s potential to alleviate financial burdens. “I happen to think it’ll sell like crazy. It’s a market.”
A shift in immigration policy
Unlike the existing EB-5 investor visa program, which requires foreign nationals to invest at least $1 million in a US business that creates jobs, the Gold Card would offer an even more exclusive path. According to Trump, the initiative would help retain top international talent, particularly students graduating from Ivy League and elite universities.
“I get calls from companies wanting to hire the No. 1 student at Harvard, Wharton, or Yale, but then they’re forced to leave because of our outdated immigration system,” Trump said. “With Gold Cards, these brilliant minds stay here.”
No congressional approval needed?
One of the most striking aspects of the plan is Trump’s assertion that it does not require congressional approval. While US law grants Congress authority over immigration and citizenship, Trump insisted the program could move forward independently.
The proposal mirrors similar “golden visa” programs in countries like the UK, Spain, Canada, and Australia, which offer residency or citizenship to wealthy investors. However, Trump suggested that America’s global appeal would make this program unparalleled in success.
“No other country can do this because people don’t want to go to other countries,” Trump declared. “They want to come here—especially since November 5.”
The controversy: A gateway for the wealthy?
Critics argue that the plan effectively puts American citizenship up for sale, creating a two-tier immigration system where only the wealthy can bypass traditional visa requirements.
Lutnick defended the plan, stating that higher price points would reduce fraud and inefficiencies plaguing the EB-5 program. He also hinted that the program might not exclude applicants based on nationality but could vet individuals based on security concerns.
The unanswered questions
While Trump has touted the program’s financial benefits, key details remain unclear. Would Gold Card holders be required to create jobs? Would there be a limit on the number of visas issued? And how would security vetting work, especially for applicants from countries like China and Iran?
Despite these uncertainties, Trump remained confident: “It’s somewhat like a green card, but at a higher level of sophistication. It’s a road to citizenship for people of wealth and talent.”
As the administration moves forward with this controversial initiative, the world will be watching to see if Trump’s Gold Card truly becomes a golden ticket to the American Dream—or simply another political gamble.
