In February 2025, President Donald Trump introduced the “Gold Card” visa program. It offers wealthy foreign investors a pathway to U.S. permanent residency and eventual citizenship for a $5 million fee. This initiative, known as Trump’s $5 Million ‘Gold Card’ Visa, aims to attract affluent individuals to bolster the U.S. economy through substantial investments.
As of March 9, 2025, the Gold Card program has not yet been launched; it is scheduled to commence on March 11, 2025. Consequently, no Gold Cards have been sold to date, so Trump’s $5 million ‘Gold Card’ Visa has not yet generated any revenue.
The Gold Card visa is set to replace the existing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. The EB-5 program required a lower investment threshold and mandated job creation. The new program eliminates the job creation requirement, focusing instead on direct financial contributions from investors holding Trump’s $5 million ‘Gold Card’ Visa.
While the administration projects significant revenue from the Gold Card program, early indications suggest limited interest among billionaires. This is primarily due to concerns about U.S. tax laws and the high cost of the visa. A Forbes poll revealed that nearly 75% of surveyed billionaires do not intend to apply for the Gold Card. They cite these concerns and the availability of more favorable existing visa options. Some may find Trump’s $5 million ‘Gold Card’ Visa less appealing because of these taxes and costs.
As the program’s launch approaches, its potential impact on the U.S. economy and immigration landscape remains a topic of discussion. Observers are keen to see whether the Gold Card visa will attract the intended high-net-worth individuals. They are also interested in how it will influence broader economic and social dynamics. Time will tell if Trump’s initiative with the $5 million ‘Gold Card’ Visa will achieve its goals.
