Trump’s Gold Card Visa Program has already attracted nearly 70,000 wealthy investors willing to pay $5 million each for legal U.S. residency, potentially injecting $350 billion into the American economy while creating a merit-based immigration pathway for high-net-worth individuals.
Key Takeaways
- President Trump’s new “Trump Card” program offers permanent U.S. residency in exchange for a $5 million investment, with applications now being accepted through TrumpCard.gov
- Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced that approximately 70,000 individuals have already registered interest, representing a potential economic investment of up to $350 billion
- The program is positioned to replace the existing EB-5 immigrant investor visa program, which requires investments of $800,000-$1.05 million
- Applicants must submit personal information and specify if they’re applying as individuals or businesses, with a vetting process promised, but specific criteria beyond the investment requirement have not yet been detailed
- Current immigration rules would allow these permanent residents to apply for naturalization after five years, requiring English proficiency and demonstration of “good moral character.”
Trump’s Revolutionary Approach to Immigration Investment
The Trump administration has launched a transformative immigration program that fundamentally changes how wealthy foreign nationals can obtain legal residency in the United States. The “Trump Card” program, which requires a $5 million investment, has already seen tremendous interest through its official website, TrumpCard.gov. Unlike previous investor visa programs, this initiative sets a significantly higher financial threshold while streamlining the path to permanent residency. President Trump has personally championed the program, describing it as a gateway to “the Greatest Country and Market anywhere in the World” while showcasing a sample gold-colored visa card bearing his image during an April presentation.
Overwhelming Economic Potential
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has revealed that the interest in the Trump Card program has exceeded all expectations, with nearly 70,000 potential applicants already registering through the official portal. This level of engagement represents a potential economic injection of $350 billion into the American economy – a staggering sum that would fund infrastructure, business development, and job creation without burdening American taxpayers. The program stands in stark contrast to the Biden administration’s previous approach, which saw billions spent supporting illegal immigrants rather than attracting legitimate investors who could contribute meaningfully to American prosperity.
Replacing Outdated Investment Immigration Pathways
The Trump Card program is positioned as a superior alternative to the existing EB-5 immigrant investor visa program, which has been criticized for its lower investment thresholds and complex requirements. The current EB-5 program requires foreign nationals to invest either $1.05 million in general or $800,000 in economically distressed areas – amounts that Trump administration officials argue are insufficient to generate a meaningful economic impact. The streamlined application process for the Trump Card requires prospective applicants to submit basic information, including name, region, and email address, and to specify whether they’re applying as individuals or businesses.
Merit-Based Immigration Reform in Action
President Trump’s Gold Card program represents a concrete implementation of his long-advocated merit-based immigration system that prioritizes individuals who can make substantial contributions to the United States. While specific vetting criteria beyond the $5 million investment have not been fully detailed, the administration has emphasized that thorough background checks will be conducted to ensure applicants meet appropriate standards. Under current immigration regulations, these new permanent residents would be eligible to apply for full citizenship after maintaining their status for five years, provided they demonstrate English proficiency and “good moral character.”
Balancing Border Security with Economic Growth
The Trump Card program exemplifies the administration’s nuanced approach to immigration, firmly securing the southern border against illegal crossings while simultaneously creating legitimate pathways for desirable immigrants who bring substantial resources and skills. This dual approach addresses the legitimate concerns of American citizens who have witnessed the chaos of open borders while harnessing immigration as an economic engine. The program’s focus on high-net-worth individuals ensures that new residents will not become public charges or compete with American workers for entry-level positions, instead creating new opportunities through capital investment and business development.
