Trump introduces a $5 million ‘gold card’ for wealthy migrants, featuring his image, sparking widespread attention and debate.
On April 3, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a new program aimed at wealthy migrants. He introduced a “gold card” that will cost $5 million.
This card is designed to provide special privileges similar to those of a green card.
The announcement took place aboard Air Force One, where Trump proudly displayed the card’s design to reporters.
What the gold card offers wealthy migrants
The gold card is part of an effort to revamp the EB-5 visa program.
This program allows foreign nationals to obtain a green card by investing in the U.S. economy.
Traditionally, the EB-5 program required an investment of about $1 million.
Trump’s new gold card raises the investment amount significantly. With this card, wealthy individuals can gain permanent residency in the United States.
Trump emphasized that this gold card will grant “green-card privileges-plus.”
This means that cardholders can enjoy more flexibility in their work options compared to standard visa holders.
Unlike certain visas, which tie migrants to specific jobs, the gold card allows more freedom in employment choices.
“For $5 million, this could be yours,” Trump told reporters. “That was the first of the cards. You know what that card is?”
“It’s the gold card — the Trump card.”
Trump claims to be the first buyer
During the announcement, Trump claimed that he was the first person to purchase the gold card.
He expressed enthusiasm about the program and stated that it would be available to others soon.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick mentioned that more than 1,000 gold cards had already been sold.
He also noted that over 37 million people worldwide have the financial capability to buy one.
The introduction of this card aims to simplify the process of obtaining residency in the U.S.
It removes some of the previous restrictions that required investments to be made in rural or high-unemployment areas.
This change is expected to attract more wealthy individuals looking to move to the United States.
Concerns about corruption and fairness are growing.
While the gold card program may attract wealthy migrants, it has also raised concerns among government watchdogs.
Critics worry that the system could lead to corruption. They fear that making residency available for a price may undermine the integrity of the immigration process.
Other countries have similar programs, but there are questions about their effectiveness and fairness.
The original EB-5 visa program has been in place for over two decades.
According to statistics, 135,518 EB-5 visas have been issued since their inception. Many believe that the new gold card will further complicate an already complex immigration system.
The gold card may have significant economic implications.
Trump’s announcement comes at a time when the U.S. national debt is a significant concern.
Lutnick noted that selling 200,000 gold cards could generate $1 trillion.
This money could be used to help pay down the national debt, which currently stands at $36.5 trillion.
The potential revenue generated by the gold card program could have a considerable impact on the economy.
Supporters of the program argue that attracting wealthy migrants can benefit the U.S. economy.
They believe that these individuals will invest in local businesses and create jobs.
However, critics question whether the economic benefits will outweigh the potential downsides.