In a striking new move, the Trump Administration has introduced a proposal for a “Gold Card” program, offering permanent residency in the United States in exchange for a $5 million investment. The announcement has stirred interest and concern alike, especially among international investors exploring options for U.S. immigration.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s known so far, and what potential applicants should keep in mind as the program develops.
The Basics: What Is the “Gold Card”?
The newly proposed “Gold Card” appears to be an immigration program designed to attract wealthy individuals by offering a fast-track route to permanent residency — and eventually, U.S. citizenship — for a $5 million payment. According to public statements, the program will not require applicants to create U.S. jobs, which marks a key difference from the current EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.
The Trump Administration has launched a website — reportedly https://trumpcard.gov/— where foreign nationals can register their interest in the program.
Key Points from the Proposal
While the full legal structure and operational framework have not been published, the administration has highlighted the following features:
- A one-time $5 million investment will be required from applicants.
- The program is intended to offer lawful permanent resident (LPR) status, similar to a traditional green card.
- Successful applicants may eventually apply for U.S. citizenship through the normal naturalization process.
- Unlike the EB-5 program, no job creation requirement has been attached to this proposal (as of now).
- Background checks and national security vetting will be conducted.
- The initiative is being framed as a streamlined alternative to existing investor programs.
How Does This Compare to the EB-5 Program?
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program — the most comparable existing pathway — requires an investment of $800,000 to $1.05 million, depending on the location of the project, and mandates the creation of at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs. In contrast, the Gold Card proposal removes the job creation requirement and significantly raises the investment threshold.
Whether this proposed program will replace EB-5 or run separately is not yet clear. Investors should also note that EB-5 involves specific procedural safeguards, such as regional center oversight and USCIS adjudication, which have not been addressed in the Gold Card plan so far.
Legal Questions and Challenges
There are significant legal hurdles for implementing a new visa classification. Immigration law falls under the jurisdiction of Congress, and creating a brand-new path to permanent residency generally requires legislative approval. At this stage, it’s unclear how the Trump Administration plans to authorize the Gold Card program without congressional action.
Legal experts have raised questions about the constitutionality of bypassing Congress and whether the executive branch has the authority to create an immigration benefit program of this kind.
Moreover, the absence of published details about eligibility requirements, review processes, and safeguards against abuse means the program may face delays, revisions, or court challenges.
What Wealthy Foreign Nationals Should Do Now
The launch of a registration site signals that the administration is serious about pursuing this initiative — but caution is advised. At this time:
- No formal application process has been established.
- No regulatory guidance has been issued.
- No statutory basis has been provided for implementation.
Foreign investors interested in pursuing U.S. permanent residence should continue to consider existing legal options, such as the EB-5 program, until the new initiative is clearly defined and legally approved.
Final Thoughts
While the concept of a $5 million “Gold Card” has made headlines, the program is still in the idea stage, lacking key details and clear legal grounding. Investors considering this route should be aware of the uncertainties and potential delays.
At NPZ Law Group, we assist high-net-worth individuals in exploring lawful investment-based immigration strategies — including the EB-5 program — and keep our clients informed about developments in immigration law and policy.
If you’d like to understand your options under current law, or want to stay ahead of potential changes, contact our office to schedule a confidential consultation.
Contact Information
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.