Former U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled a new investor residency initiative, dubbed the “Gold Card,” allowing foreign nationals to obtain a U.S. green card in exchange for a $5 million investment.
The proposed plan, which replaces the long-standing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, aims to attract high-net-worth individuals while tightening broader immigration policies.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Florida, Trump framed the initiative as a move to “prioritize merit-based immigration” and stimulate the U.S. economy through foreign capital inflows. “We want the best and the brightest to invest in America, create jobs, and drive growth,” he stated. “But we are also making it clear—illegal immigration will not be tolerated.”
Under the proposal, investors seeking U.S. residency would be required to commit a minimum of $5 million to American businesses, infrastructure projects, or other approved economic ventures.
Unlike the EB-5 program, which set a lower investment threshold and had a lengthy processing backlog, the Gold Card promises a streamlined approval process and a direct path to permanent residency for qualified applicants.
The initiative comes as Trump ramps up his immigration agenda, vowing to impose stricter border controls and deportation measures. While the investor residency plan targets affluent individuals, it coincides with broader policy proposals to curtail asylum programs and limit legal migration pathways.
Critics argue that the plan effectively monetizes U.S. residency, creating an exclusive pathway for the wealthy while tightening restrictions on other visa categories.
“This is a pay-to-play immigration policy,” said a spokesperson for the American Immigration Council. “It prioritizes wealth over skill, leaving millions of deserving immigrants without viable options.”
Supporters, however, contend that the policy could boost economic growth and attract global business leaders.
“Encouraging foreign investment through a structured program benefits job creation and infrastructure development,” said an immigration policy analyst at the Cato Institute. “If managed effectively, it could provide a significant economic boost.”
The announcement has drawn international interest, particularly from investors in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, who previously engaged with the EB-5 program.
Real estate developers, venture capital firms, and economic development agencies have also expressed optimism about potential capital inflows.
While details of the Gold Card program’s implementation remain unclear, Trump’s campaign has indicated that a formal policy framework will be released in the coming months. If enacted, the initiative would mark a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, reinforcing a model that links residency to direct financial investment.
