Washington, February 26, 2025: US President Donald Trump has introduced a new immigration initiative, proposing a “$5 million gold card” visa program that would grant US residency and a pathway to citizenship for high-net-worth investors.
The initiative, which Trump said will be launched within two weeks, is expected to replace the existing EB-5 investor visa program. While details of its implementation remain unclear, Trump suggested that the measure would bypass congressional approval.
“We’re going to be selling a gold card,” Trump said at the Oval Office while signing executive orders alongside Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. “We’re putting a price on that card of about $5 million, and that’s going to give you green card privileges.”
Lutnick clarified that applicants would be required to pay the full $5 million directly to the US government.
“Rather than having this sort of ridiculous EB-5 program, we’re going to end it and replace it with the Trump gold card,” he said.
He added that while the program offers a direct route to residency, applicants would still undergo vetting to ensure they are “wonderful, world-class, global citizens.” Proceeds from the initiative would be used to reduce the federal deficit, according to Lutnick.
The announcement comes as Trump doubles down on stricter immigration policies during his second term. He has vowed to launch the largest deportation operation in US history and continues efforts to tighten border security.
Additionally, Trump has threatened Canada and Mexico with tariffs unless they take stronger action to curb the flow of fentanyl, illegal drugs, and undocumented migrants into the US.
The new gold card visa plan is seen as a shift in immigration strategy, favoring wealth-based pathways while intensifying crackdowns on undocumented migration.
