President Trump’s ambitious “Gold Card” visa program is already proving to be a massive financial success. Reports indicate that the administration sold 1,000 of these lucrative visas in a single day, generating $5 billion in revenue.
The scheme aims to attract ultra-wealthy investors worldwide by offering a fast-track path to U.S. residency without imposing global taxation—a significant departure from the existing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.
The Gold Card proposal is being marketed as a practical way to infuse the American economy with private foreign capital. Under the plan, investors can purchase visas for $5 million each, provided their investment contributes to economic growth and job creation.
Unlike the EB-5 program, which requires investors to create at least 10 full-time American jobs to qualify for a green card, the Gold Card offers a more streamlined approach focused on attracting high-net-worth individuals.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick explained the origins of the program during an appearance on the All In podcast.
He recalled how billionaire John Paulson suggested to Trump that the U.S. should sell visas rather than give them away for free. Following that conversation, the plan was quickly developed, with Lutnick stating, “About two weeks from today, it goes out. Elon’s building me the software right now. Right? And then out it goes. And by the way, yesterday I sold 1,000.”
The implications of such a program are enormous. According to Lutnick, there are approximately 37 million people worldwide who could potentially afford the Gold Card, with Trump reportedly believing that as many as one million could be sold.
The revenue generated from these sales could be used to pay down the national debt or fund critical infrastructure projects, all without burdening American taxpayers.
While the traditional EB-5 program has already funneled over $55 billion into American projects—such as the Big River Steel Mill in Arkansas and the Philadelphia Convention Center expansion—the Gold Card plan targets a different kind of investor.
The program’s appeal lies in its promise to allow foreign investors to reside in the U.S. without the threat of global taxation, a key concern that has kept many ultra-wealthy individuals from relocating.
Trump’s plan also emphasizes proper vetting to prevent unsavory individuals from exploiting the system.
In a recent interview with Fox News’ Laura Ingraham, Trump admitted he was “worried about unsavory — in which case we’re gonna give ‘em the money back and they get out.” He assured the public that every applicant would be thoroughly vetted before receiving the visa.
Proponents of the Gold Card scheme argue that it is a win-win for America. Not only does it bring substantial foreign investment into the country, but it also offers a pathway to economic growth that doesn’t rely on taxpayer money.
For a nation burdened by a growing national debt, the potential influx of billions, if not trillions, in private capital could be a game-changer.
As Trump’s administration moves forward with the plan, supporters are hailing the Gold Card program as yet another example of his out-of-the-box thinking. With a bold vision aimed at attracting the world’s wealthiest investors, Trump’s plan is already making headlines—and billions of dollars.