President Trump Proposes $5 Million “Gold Card” as a Pathway to U.S. Citizenship

President Donald Trump has floated the idea of a $5 million “Gold Card” as a new pathway to American citizenship. This proposal aims to replace the existing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa program, which allows foreign nationals to obtain U.S. permanent residency by making significant investments that create or preserve American jobs.

In a recent statement to reporters, Trump described the Gold Card as a more sophisticated alternative to the traditional Green Card. “It’s a road to citizenship for people of wealth or great talent,” he explained. “Companies could pay for individuals to gain long-term status in the country, essentially allowing wealthy investors to sponsor talented individuals.”

The concept has sparked both intrigue and debate. Trump suggested that selling one million of these Gold Cards could generate $5 trillion in revenue, which could then be used to reduce the national deficit. However, questions remain about the feasibility of this plan. According to various estimates, only about 1.5 to 1.6 million people worldwide have $5 million in discretionary income—raising doubts about whether the target number of buyers exists.

Who Would Qualify for the Gold Card?

When asked whether Russian oligarchs or individuals with questionable backgrounds might qualify, Trump responded affirmatively. This has led to concerns about the types of individuals who might take advantage of the program. Critics argue that the proposal could attract wealthy individuals with dubious intentions, such as oligarchs or those involved in organized crime, rather than legitimate entrepreneurs or highly skilled professionals.

On the other hand, proponents believe the program could attract successful entrepreneurs and investors who could contribute significantly to the U.S. economy. For example, highly talented individuals like H-1B visa holders—often criticized for taking American jobs at lower wages—could potentially benefit from this new pathway. Unlike the H-1B program, the $5 million entry fee would likely attract individuals who are not competing for low-wage jobs but instead bringing substantial economic value.

A Fast-Track to Citizenship?

The Gold Card proposal appears to function as a “fast pass” to citizenship, supplementing existing visa programs rather than replacing them. This raises questions about fairness and accessibility. While the current system allows highly skilled individuals to obtain visas without significant financial investment, the Gold Card would essentially create a pay-to-play model.

Trump also referenced the idea of stapling Green Cards to diplomas for graduates of prestigious institutions like Harvard or Wharton—a long-discussed concept aimed at retaining top talent educated in the U.S. However, the Gold Card proposal seems to shift the focus toward wealth rather than merit, potentially alienating those who support a more egalitarian approach to immigration.

Potential Challenges and Criticisms

One of the biggest challenges facing the Gold Card proposal is its perception as anti-egalitarian. Critics argue that it prioritizes wealth over talent, creating a system where only the richest individuals can gain access to U.S. citizenship. Additionally, the idea of companies sponsoring individuals for citizenship raises ethical questions about who would ultimately benefit from such a program.

Despite these concerns, Trump’s proposal highlights the ongoing debate about how the U.S. can attract and retain individuals who can contribute to the economy. Whether the Gold Card gains traction remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly sparked a conversation about the future of U.S. immigration policy.