President Trump’s innovative $5 million “Gold Card” visa program has already attracted 70,000 eager international investors seeking legal U.S. residency while simultaneously boosting America’s economy through significant foreign investment.
Key Takeaways
- President Trump’s “Gold Card” program offers permanent U.S. residency in exchange for a $5 million investment, with approximately 70,000 prospective applicants already registered.
- The official TrumpCard.gov website has been launched for individuals and businesses to register their interest in the program.
- The Gold Card program aims to replace the existing EB-5 investor visa program, which requires investments between $800,000 and $1.05 million.
- Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick emphasized the program’s economic benefits, bringing significant foreign investment into the American economy.
- Applicants will undergo a vetting process, with current immigration rules allowing permanent residents to apply for citizenship after five years of residency.
Gold Card Program Launches with Strong Interest
President Trump’s administration has officially launched the innovative “Gold Card” visa program, introducing a straightforward path to American residency for foreign investors willing to make a substantial $5 million investment. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently revealed that approximately 70,000 prospective applicants have already registered their interest through the newly established TrumpCard.gov website. This program represents a significant shift in immigration policy, focusing on attracting high-net-worth individuals who can make immediate economic contributions to the United States.
Commerce Sec. Howard Lutnick said nearly 70,000 people have signed up for President Donald Trump's gold card visa, which will grant foreigners legal residency in the U.S. for a $5M investment. https://t.co/YxxIgn2M88
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) June 18, 2025
The administration has created a streamlined application process requiring basic information from applicants, including their name, region, email address, and whether they’re applying as an individual or business. President Trump himself has described the program as providing access to “the Greatest Country and Market anywhere in the World,” highlighting the dual benefits of residency rights and investment opportunities. The distinctive gold-colored visa card, featuring the President’s image, was first showcased in April, symbolizing the premium nature of this immigration pathway.
Economic Strategy Behind the Gold Card
The Gold Card program represents a strategic approach to immigration that prioritizes economic benefit to the United States. With a $5 million entry threshold, the program is designed to attract serious investors rather than casual applicants. This approach marks a significant increase from the existing EB-5 immigrant investor visa program, which requires investments of $1.05 million, or $800,000 in economically distressed areas. By raising the investment requirement, the administration aims to ensure that participants make meaningful contributions to American economic growth.
While specific details about how the funds will be allocated remain under development, the program’s potential economic impact is substantial. If all 70,000 currently interested applicants were to participate, the program would generate $350 billion in foreign investment—a significant influx of capital that could fund infrastructure projects, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth across various sectors. The administration has indicated that investments will be directed toward projects that benefit American communities and workers.
Immigration Policy Implications
The Gold Card program represents a significant shift in American immigration philosophy, creating a merit-based pathway that emphasizes economic contribution. While the program offers legal residency and work rights to successful applicants, they will still need to follow existing naturalization requirements if they seek citizenship. Current immigration rules require lawful permanent residents to maintain their status for five years before applying for naturalization, demonstrating English proficiency, “good moral character,” and attachment to U.S. constitutional principles.
The administration has emphasized that all applicants will undergo thorough vetting to ensure national security priorities are maintained. This program stands in stark contrast to the ongoing border crisis, where millions of illegal immigrants have entered without vetting or making economic contributions. By implementing a structured, merit-based system, President Trump’s administration is demonstrating its commitment to an immigration system that benefits American citizens while welcoming those who can contribute positively to the nation’s prosperity.
Implementation and Future Outlook
With the website now operational and interest growing rapidly, the administration is moving forward with implementing the full program. Commerce Secretary Lutnick has taken a leading role in promoting the initiative to potential investors worldwide. The program appears poised to become a cornerstone of the administration’s economic strategy, potentially generating hundreds of billions in investment while addressing immigration concerns through a controlled, merit-based approach that prioritizes American interests and economic growth.
As the program develops, economic analysts will be watching closely to measure its impact on job creation, infrastructure development, and overall economic growth. The Gold Card program represents a practical solution that addresses immigration challenges while simultaneously advancing economic objectives—a hallmark of President Trump’s pragmatic approach to governance that prioritizes tangible results for American citizens while creating orderly pathways for those seeking to join American society through legitimate means.
