The Trump administration has officially rolled out a major new immigration initiative known as the “Trump Gold Card,” a program designed to attract wealthy, highly vetted foreign investors while strengthening the U.S. economy and generating substantial federal revenue.
President Donald Trump announced the plan from the White House, explaining that the Gold Card would function similarly to a green card, granting qualifying foreign nationals permanent legal residency and authorization to work in the United States — not automatic citizenship, but a structured, lawful pathway.
How the Trump Gold Card Works
Under the new policy:
- Individual applicants must contribute $1 million directly to the U.S. Treasury
- U.S. companies must pay $2 million to retain key foreign employees
- All applicants undergo strict DHS background checks, including national security vetting
Gold Card holders become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship after five years, the same timeline required for most lawful permanent residents.
President Trump promoted the program on Truth Social, calling it a “direct path to citizenship for qualified and fully vetted individuals” and emphasizing its benefits for American businesses struggling under outdated visa rules.
Replacing a Failed Visa Program
The Gold Card replaces the deeply flawed EB-5 investor visa program, which has been burdened by massive delays, bureaucratic waste, and abuse concerns.
As of early 2025:
- Over 250,000 applicants remained stuck in EB-5 backlogs
- Investors previously had to invest up to $1 million
- Applicants were required to create at least 10 American jobs
Despite existing for decades, only about 135,000 EB-5 visas have been issued, according to industry data — a failure Trump officials say proves the system is broken.
Economic Impact and National Debt Reduction
President Trump has made clear that the Gold Card is not just an immigration policy, but an economic strategy.
Administration officials estimate the program could generate hundreds of billions of dollars in federal revenue, easing pressure on taxpayers and helping address the nation’s $38 trillion national debt.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick previously explained that even a limited rollout could produce historic results, calling the Gold Card a market-based solution that rewards legal entry, economic contribution, and accountability.
A Conservative Approach to Legal Immigration
Supporters say the Gold Card reflects President Trump’s broader immigration agenda:
- Secure borders
- Strict enforcement
- Legal, merit-based immigration
- No amnesty, no loopholes
By prioritizing investment, job creation, and national security, the administration argues the Gold Card strengthens America without encouraging illegal immigration.
For many conservatives, the program represents a sharp contrast to prior policies — focusing on who contributes, who follows the law, and who puts America first.