Trump Proposes $5 Million ‘Gold Card’ as Fast Track to U.S. Citizenship

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to replace the existing EB-5 visa program with a new initiative that would allow foreign investors to purchase a “gold card” for $5 million, providing them with a pathway to American citizenship.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Trump stated that the EB-5 program, which grants green cards to foreign nationals who invest significant sums in U.S. businesses that create or maintain jobs, would be phased out in favor of this proposed “gold card” system.

“We are going to be selling a gold card,” Trump declared. “We are going to be putting a price on that card of about $5 million.” He emphasized that the new system would offer the same privileges as a green card while also serving as a direct route to U.S. citizenship. “Wealthy people would be coming into our country by buying this card,” he added.

Details on the program’s implementation are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks, as Trump indicated that his team is still finalizing the framework.

Trump’s announcement has already sparked debate over the implications of such a program, particularly regarding its accessibility to individuals from nations with strained relations with the U.S. When asked whether Russian oligarchs could qualify for the proposed “gold card,” Trump responded, “Yeah, possibly. Hey. I know some Russian oligarchs that are very nice people.”

The EB-5 visa program, which has existed since 1990, has long been a subject of scrutiny, with critics pointing to concerns over fraud, national security, and the potential for wealthy individuals to buy their way into the U.S. without contributing significantly to the economy. However, supporters argue that it attracts much-needed foreign investment and stimulates job creation.

If enacted, the “gold card” proposal could represent a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, potentially opening the doors to ultra-wealthy investors while raising questions about fairness and accessibility for other immigrants. Experts have noted that a similar concept exists in other nations, such as Australia’s Significant Investor Visa and Portugal’s Golden Visa program, both of which offer residency to individuals investing substantial amounts in the country’s economy.

Trump’s proposal comes amid broader discussions on immigration policy, economic growth, and the role of foreign investment in the United States. While the initiative aims to attract high-net-worth individuals, it is likely to face both political and legal challenges before becoming a reality.

With the full details of the plan yet to be disclosed, lawmakers and policy analysts are closely watching how this potential overhaul might reshape the landscape of investor-based immigration in the United States.