In a significant shift to U.S. immigration policy, President Donald Trump revealed plans on Tuesday for a new premium residency program targeting affluent foreign nationals. The initiative, dubbed the “gold card,” will carry a $5 million price tag and provide successful applicants with residency rights, work authorization, and a path to American citizenship.
Speaking from the White House, Trump outlined his vision for the program, which aims to attract high-net-worth individuals capable of creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. The gold card scheme represents a marked departure from the immigration policies of the Biden-Harris administration, which Trump criticized for allowing unrestricted entry of unvetted migrants.
“We’re introducing a gold card program that will elevate our current green card system,” Trump explained during the announcement. He emphasized that cardholders would contribute substantially to the American economy through tax revenue and job creation.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who joined Trump in the Oval Office, elaborated that the new program would replace the existing EB-5 immigrant investor visa system, which he characterized as being plagued by fraud and inefficiencies. “We’re terminating the
problematic EB-5 program and implementing the Trump gold card instead,” Lutnick stated, noting that while thorough vetting procedures would remain in place, the focus would be on attracting “wonderful world-class, global citizens.”
The administration projects that proceeds from the gold card program could significantly impact the national deficit. According to Lutnick, funds generated through the initiative will be directed toward deficit reduction efforts, presenting a dual benefit of attracting valuable human capital while addressing fiscal challenges.
The announcement highlights the administration’s preference for merit-based immigration focused on economic contribution, contrasting sharply with previous policies. Trump’s team maintains that this approach will help prevent the strain on public resources that they associate with unrestricted immigration policies.
Implementation of the gold card program is expected within weeks, with the administration suggesting potential for extensive adoption among qualified foreign nationals. The $5 million entry requirement positions the program as an exclusive pathway for high-net-worth individuals seeking to establish themselves in the United States.
The initiative represents a strategic move to reshape America’s immigration landscape, prioritizing what the administration terms as “job creators and high-level talent.” By setting a substantial financial threshold, the program aims to ensure that new residents bring significant economic benefits to the country.
Trump’s announcement signals a return to his administration’s emphasis on selective immigration policies that prioritize economic
contribution over other factors. The gold card program embodies this approach by creating a premium tier within the U.S. immigration system specifically designed for wealthy foreign nationals willing to make substantial financial commitments to gain residency rights.
The administration’s focus on attracting wealthy immigrants through this program aligns with broader efforts to implement merit-based immigration reforms while addressing fiscal challenges. The
significant price point of the gold card ensures that successful applicants will have the means to make meaningful economic
contributions upon arrival in the United States.
As the program moves toward implementation, it promises to create a new avenue for wealthy foreign nationals to obtain U.S. residency while potentially generating substantial revenue for deficit reduction. This development marks a significant shift in American immigration policy, emphasizing economic contribution as a key criterion for residency rights.