President Trump has introduced a new immigration pathway, the Gold Card, which allows wealthy individuals to fast-track their residency in the U.S. for a $1 million investment.
In a bold move aimed at reshaping the immigration landscape, President Trump has unveiled the Gold Card, a new pay-to-immigrate pathway that promises legal status and a potential route to citizenship for those willing to invest $1 million. This announcement comes at a time when many qualified visa applicants feel that their dreams of American residency are increasingly out of reach.
On Wednesday, Trump introduced the Gold Card during a White House roundtable, launching a dedicated website, trumpcard.gov, where prospective applicants can begin the process. The program requires individuals to pay a non-refundable application fee of $15,000 to the federal government, in addition to the $1 million investment. Corporations seeking to sponsor foreign employees will need to invest $2 million per employee.
The Gold Card is intended to replace the existing EB-5 investor visa program, which has been in place since 1990. Under the EB-5 rules, applicants must invest approximately $1 million and create at least ten American jobs. In contrast, the Gold Card offers a more streamlined approach, though it remains to be seen how it will coexist with the EB-5 program.
Trump has positioned the Gold Card as a means to generate revenue for the federal treasury while attracting top talent from around the globe. He described the Gold Card as “basically, it’s a green card but much better,” emphasizing that it provides a “much stronger path” to residency.
Victor A. Espinosa, Vice President of Global Business Development at the Peachtree Group, a real estate investment firm based in San Francisco, noted that the Gold Card has sparked significant interest among investors. “As global families evaluate U.S. immigration strategies, the proposed Trump Gold Card has naturally sparked conversation among many of the EB-5 investors I advise,” he said. “While it is still only a proposal—not a formal policy—the curiosity around how it might coexist with EB-5 is understandable. It has created a new layer of complexity.”
As of now, critical details regarding the Gold Card, such as job generation requirements, corporate criteria, and potential annual caps, have yet to be disclosed. The official website states, “For a $15,000 DHS processing fee and, after background approval, a contribution of $1 million, receive U.S. residency in record time with the Trump Gold Card.” It also mentions that the application process will take “weeks” and will include an interview, with additional fees to the State Department possibly applying based on the applicant’s circumstances.
Espinosa advises investors to carefully consider their options. “My role is to help clients evaluate every potential option. If the Gold Card were ever enacted, it would likely serve as a complementary pathway, not a replacement. Investors may ultimately choose a dual-track evaluation—assessing EB-5 for permanent residency while monitoring any developments around the proposed Gold Card for shorter-term or specialized benefits,” he explained.
The website also hints at an even more exclusive opportunity with the forthcoming Trump Platinum Card, which will allow foreign nationals to spend up to 270 days in the U.S. without being subject to U.S. taxes on non-U.S. income, provided they make a $5 million contribution along with the $15,000 processing fee.
As the landscape of U.S. immigration continues to evolve, the question remains: will the Gold Card pave a smoother path to the American dream for those with the financial means? Espinosa emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making. “The key is to make informed, strategic decisions. Advisors like me will commit to guiding investors through whichever route best aligns with their goals as more details emerge,” he concluded.
This new initiative reflects the ongoing debate over immigration policy in the United States, particularly regarding the balance between attracting foreign investment and ensuring equitable access to residency for all potential immigrants.
As the Gold Card proposal unfolds, it will be crucial for prospective investors to stay informed and evaluate their options carefully, particularly as more details about the program are released.
According to Victor A. Espinosa, the Gold Card could represent a significant shift in how wealthy individuals approach U.S. residency.