Pay $5 Million for the ‘Trump Card’: New Visa Program Opens

Key Takeaways

• The Trump Card visa requires a $5 million investment for U.S. residency and citizenship pathway.
• The program is in pre-application waitlist phase; no payments or documents required yet.
• Legal challenges and Congressional approval debates may delay or alter the program.

On June 12, 2025, President Trump officially launched the “Trump Card” visa program, marking a major shift in United States 🇺🇸 immigration policy. The program, now accepting waitlist applications at TrumpCard.gov, promises permanent U.S. residency—and a pathway to citizenship—for foreign nationals willing to invest $5 million in the country. This new visa program is being promoted as a premium alternative to the traditional Green Card and is designed to attract wealthy individuals from around the world.

What Is the Trump Card Visa Program?

The Trump Card is a government-backed visa program that offers a fast-track to permanent residency in the United States 🇺🇸 for those who can invest $5 million. The program is currently in its pre-application phase, meaning that interested applicants can only join a waitlist by submitting basic information. The full application process, including eligibility checks and payment details, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Who Can Apply and How Does It Work?

Anyone from eight major world regions—Europe, Asia (including the Middle East), North America, Oceania, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, and Africa—can join the waitlist. The process is simple for now:

1. Visit the official website: TrumpCard.gov
2. Fill out the form: Enter your name, region, email, and specify if you are applying as an individual or business.
3. Submit your information: This puts you on the official waiting list.
4. Wait for further instructions: The government will contact you when the full application process opens.

No payment or documents are required at this stage. The site is only collecting contact details for now.

Why Was the Trump Card Created?

The Trump Card is designed as a replacement for the EB-5 investor visa, which has been in place since 1990. The EB-5 program allowed foreign nationals to get a Green Card by investing $800,000 to $1.05 million in a U.S. business and creating at least 10 jobs for American workers. The Trump Card, however, removes the job creation requirement and raises the investment threshold to $5 million.

President Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have promoted the Trump Card as a way to attract “great people” who will bring business and opportunity to the United States 🇺🇸. They argue that the program could generate huge revenue for the country, with Trump suggesting that if 200,000 people buy the card, it could bring in $1 trillion. He has even floated the idea that selling a million cards could raise $5 trillion.

How Is the Trump Card Different from the EB-5 Visa?

Here’s a simple comparison:

Key Stakeholders and Their Views

• President Trump: He has called the Trump Card a “beautiful road” to U.S. residency and citizenship for the wealthy, promoting it as a premium alternative to the Green Card.
• Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick: He co-signed the launch and said the program could help pay down the federal debt and attract high-value individuals who will invest and create jobs.
• U.S. State Department Legal Team: They have raised concerns about whether the program is legal, warning that it could be rejected by the White House budget office or face court challenges.
• Lawmakers: Some members of Congress argue that such a big change in immigration policy needs Congressional approval.
• Business and Real Estate Leaders: Some support the program as a way to bring in new capital, while others worry it could hurt the EB-5 program and disrupt existing investments.

What Does the Trump Card Offer to Applicants?

The Trump Card promises:

• Permanent U.S. residency for those who invest $5 million
• A pathway to citizenship (though not automatic—details to come)
• No job creation requirement, unlike the EB-5 visa
• A streamlined process (once the full application opens)

However, applicants should know that:

• Joining the waitlist does not guarantee approval
• Full eligibility rules and vetting procedures are not yet published
• Legal and political challenges could delay or change the program

Why Is the Trump Card Controversial?

The Trump Card has sparked debate for several reasons:

• Legal Concerns: The U.S. State Department’s legal team says the program could face court challenges, especially over the $5 million fee and whether the president can make such a big change without Congress.
• Ethical Questions: Critics argue that the program is “selling” U.S. residency to the ultra-wealthy, which could undermine fairness in the immigration system.
• Impact on Existing Programs: Some worry that the Trump Card could hurt the EB-5 visa program, which has helped fund many U.S. projects and created jobs.
• Political Debate: Lawmakers are divided, with some supporting the idea of attracting wealthy investors and others warning about the risks of wealth-based immigration.

How Could the Trump Card Affect the U.S. Economy?

Supporters believe the Trump Card could bring in large amounts of money and attract people who will invest, spend, and create jobs. President Trump and Commerce Secretary Lutnick have said the program could help pay down the national debt and boost the economy.

If 200,000 people buy the Trump Card, the program could raise $1 trillion. If a million cards are sold, Trump claims it could bring in $5 trillion. These numbers are based on the $5 million investment required from each applicant.

However, critics warn that focusing on wealthy immigrants could send the wrong message and make the U.S. immigration system less fair for people who cannot afford such a high price.

What Are the Next Steps for Interested Applicants?

If you are interested in the Trump Card, here’s what you can do now:

1. Go to TrumpCard.gov and fill out the waitlist form.
2. Wait for an email with further instructions when the full application process opens.
3. Stay informed about new developments, as the program may change due to legal or political challenges.

No payment or documents are needed at this stage. The government will contact you when more information is available.

Legal and Political Hurdles Ahead

The Trump Card faces several legal and political challenges:

• Congressional Approval: Some lawmakers say the program cannot move forward without Congress passing a new law.
• Court Challenges: Legal experts warn that the $5 million fee and the way the program was created could be challenged in court.
• White House Review: The White House budget office may review or reject the program before it becomes official.

These hurdles mean that the Trump Card’s future is not guaranteed. Applicants should be aware that the program could be delayed, changed, or even canceled depending on the outcome of these challenges.

Background: The EB-5 Visa and the Shift to the Trump Card

The EB-5 visa program has been around since 1990. It allowed foreign nationals to get a Green Card by investing in a U.S. business and creating at least 10 jobs. The investment amount was $800,000 to $1.05 million, plus extra fees.

The Trump Card is meant to replace the EB-5 visa. It removes the job creation requirement and raises the investment to $5 million. President Trump first talked about the idea in February 2025, and it was promoted heavily in the following months, including the unveiling of a gold card with his image.

This move is part of a broader shift toward merit- and wealth-based immigration policies under the Trump administration.

Multiple Perspectives on the Trump Card

• Supporters: Say the Trump Card will attract global talent and capital, help pay down the national debt, and provide a new, simple pathway for wealthy individuals.
• Critics: Warn about legal and ethical problems, including the risk of “selling” U.S. residency and making the system unfair for those who cannot pay.
• Legal Experts: Point out the high risk of court challenges, especially over the fee and the need for Congressional approval.
• Business Community: Some welcome the new capital, while others worry about the impact on existing EB-5 investments.
• Immigration Advocates: Concerned about fairness, equity, and the message sent by prioritizing the ultra-wealthy.

What Should Applicants and Stakeholders Watch For?

• Details on Eligibility: The government has not yet published full rules on who can apply, what documents are needed, or how vetting will work.
• Payment and Processing: No payment is required yet. Details on how to pay the $5 million and what happens after payment will come later.
• Legal Updates: Watch for news about court cases or Congressional action that could affect the program.
• Economic Impact: The program could bring in large amounts of money, but it may also change the way the U.S. handles immigration.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

For the most up-to-date information, visit the official TrumpCard.gov website. This is the only government-backed site for the Trump Card visa program.

For those interested in comparing the Trump Card to other U.S. visa options, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program page provides details on the current EB-5 visa, including requirements and application forms.

Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that while the Trump Card could reshape U.S. immigration by focusing on wealth and investment, its success will depend on legal approval and public acceptance. The program’s high price tag and lack of job creation requirements set it apart from previous investor visas, but also raise questions about fairness and the future of U.S. immigration policy.

Key Takeaways for Potential Applicants

• The Trump Card is a new visa program offering U.S. residency for a $5 million investment.
• The program is in its early stages, with only a waitlist open and many details yet to be finalized.
• Legal, political, and ethical questions remain unresolved, and the program’s future depends on regulatory, legislative, and judicial outcomes.
• No payment or documents are required to join the waitlist at this time.
• Applicants should stay informed and be ready for possible changes as the program develops.

Practical Guidance

• If you are interested in the Trump Card, join the waitlist at TrumpCard.gov.
• Monitor official updates for new information about eligibility, payment, and the full application process.
• Consider consulting with an immigration attorney or expert before making any decisions, especially given the legal uncertainties.
• Compare the Trump Card with other visa options, such as the EB-5 program, to find the best fit for your situation.

Conclusion

The Trump Card visa program is one of the most talked-about changes in U.S. immigration policy in recent years. With its $5 million investment requirement and promise of a fast track to residency, it targets a very specific group of wealthy individuals. While it could bring in large amounts of money and new business to the United States 🇺🇸, it also faces serious legal, political, and ethical questions.

As the program moves forward, applicants and stakeholders should watch for updates and be prepared for possible changes. For now, joining the waitlist is the first step for those interested in this new path to U.S. residency.

For more information and to join the waitlist, visit TrumpCard.gov. For details on the EB-5 visa and other immigration options, check the USCIS EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program page.

Stay tuned for further developments as the Trump Card visa program unfolds.

Learn Today

Trump Card Visa → A 2025 U.S. investor visa requiring $5 million for permanent residency and a citizenship pathway.
EB-5 Visa → An existing U.S. investor visa requiring $800,000–$1.05 million investment and job creation.
Waitlist → Pre-application phase allowing interested applicants to submit basic info and await full process.
Job Creation Requirement → A rule requiring investment projects to create at least ten U.S. jobs, removed in Trump Card.
Congressional Approval → The legal necessity for Congress to authorize major immigration policy changes.

This Article in a Nutshell

On June 12, 2025, the Trump Card visa launched, offering wealthy investors a fast track to U.S. residency for a $5 million investment, replacing the EB-5 program but facing major legal and political hurdles before full implementation.
— By VisaVerge.com