Trump Reveals Features of Proposed Gold Card Visa Programme

President Donald Trump revealed the design of his proposed “Gold Card” Visa program while traveling on Air Force One to Miami, Florida.

The initiative, first announced in February 2025, seeks to replace the existing EB-5 immigrant investor visa program with a new pathway to U.S. residency and citizenship for affluent foreigners willing to invest $5 million.

The program’s primary objective is to attract high-net-worth individuals who will contribute to the U.S. economy by spending money, paying taxes, and creating jobs.

The Gold Card, which Trump showcased to reporters, features his likeness and the words “The Trump Card” in a gold-colored design, roughly the size of a credit card. The card is expected to offer “green card privileges plus,” with a path to citizenship, although specifics on timelines or additional benefits are still forthcoming.

The program’s focus on a $5 million payment, with no explicit job-creation requirement, has raised eyebrows among critics who argue that it prioritizes wealth over merit.

According to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the Gold Card program could generate significant revenue, potentially trillions of dollars, to reduce the national debt.

Lutnick cited 250,000 potential applicants, which could raise $5 billion in a single day. However, official applications have not yet launched on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. Trump touted the program as a means to attract “wealthy and successful” individuals who will stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and pay taxes.

The unveiling of the Gold Card program came amid economic turbulence, as U.S. stock markets lost $3.1 trillion in value following Trump’s announcement of new tariffs on imports.

When asked about the market downturn, Trump dismissed concerns, suggesting it was “to be expected” for a “sick patient” economy he inherited. He predicted a future boom, jokingly offering the card to reporters and stating it would be available in less than two weeks from April 3, potentially by mid-April 2025.

Critics argue that the Gold Card program prioritizes wealth over merit and raises security concerns about the source of funds. They also question the lack of explicit job-creation requirements and the potential for abuse.

Supporters, on the other hand, see the program as a bold economic stimulus that will attract high-net-worth individuals and create new opportunities for economic growth.

Details on the vetting processes and whether Congress must approve the program remain sparse. Trump claims that congressional approval is not required, but this has yet to be confirmed. As the program moves forward, it is likely to face scrutiny from lawmakers, critics, and the public. The USCIS website has not yet launched official applications, and it remains to be seen how the program will be implemented and regulated.

The Gold Card program has significant implications for the U.S. economy, immigration policy, and national security.

As the program unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor its progress, address concerns, and ensure that it is implemented in a way that benefits the United States and its citizens. With the potential to raise significant revenue and attract high-net-worth individuals, the Gold Card program could be a game-changer for the U.S. economy. However, it is essential to balance economic growth with concerns about security, merit, and the potential for abuse.