Spanish
VisaVerge official logo in Light white color VisaVerge official logo in Light white color
  • Home
  • Airlines
  • H1B
  • Immigration
    • Knowledge
    • Questions
    • Documentation
  • News
  • Visa
    • Canada
    • F1Visa
    • Passport
    • Green Card
    • H1B
    • OPT
    • PERM
    • Travel
    • Travel Requirements
    • Visa Requirements
  • USCIS
  • Questions
    • Australia Immigration
    • Green Card
    • H1B
    • Immigration
    • Passport
    • PERM
    • UK Immigration
    • USCIS
    • Legal
    • India
    • NRI
  • Guides
    • Taxes
    • Legal
  • Tools
    • H-1B Maxout Calculator Online
    • REAL ID Requirements Checker tool
    • ROTH IRA Calculator Online
    • TSA Acceptable ID Checker Online Tool
    • H-1B Registration Checklist
    • Schengen Short-Stay Visa Calculator
    • H-1B Cost Calculator Online
    • USA Merit Based Points Calculator – Proposed
    • Canada Express Entry Points Calculator
    • New Zealand’s Skilled Migrant Points Calculator
    • Resources Hub
    • Visa Photo Requirements Checker Online
    • I-94 Expiration Calculator Online
    • CSPA Age-Out Calculator Online
    • OPT Timeline Calculator Online
    • B1/B2 Tourist Visa Stay Calculator online
  • Schengen
VisaVergeVisaVerge
Search
Follow US
  • Home
  • Airlines
  • H1B
  • Immigration
  • News
  • Visa
  • USCIS
  • Questions
  • Guides
  • Tools
  • Schengen
© 2025 VisaVerge Network. All Rights Reserved.
Immigration

Trump’s Gold Visa Puts American Dream Up for Sale at $5M

Announced in 2025, the Trump Gold Card would grant permanent residency, work authorization, and a citizenship path for a $5 million investment. More than 68,700 people joined the waitlist by mid‑June 2025. No legal authority exists yet; Congressional legislation and clear oversight rules are required before implementation.

Last updated: August 10, 2025 4:24 pm
SHARE
VisaVerge.com
📋
Key takeaways
Proposal offers permanent residence and work authorization for a $5 million investment, announced in 2025.
By mid-June 2025, over 68,700 people joined the TrumpCard.gov waitlist expressing interest.
No law exists: establishing the Gold Card likely requires Congressional action, hearings, and legislation.

(UNITED STATES) The proposed Trump Gold Card — a new investor route tied to a $5 million investment — is drawing strong interest and sharp debate across the United States 🇺🇸 and overseas.

Announced in 2025, President Trump’s plan would replace the EB-5 immigrant investor program with a pricier pathway to permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship for wealthy foreign investors.

Trump’s Gold Visa Puts American Dream Up for Sale at M
Trump’s Gold Visa Puts American Dream Up for Sale at $5M

What’s on the table now

  • The Trump Gold Card promises permanent residence, work authorization, and a later path to citizenship in exchange for a $5 million investment.
  • As of mid‑June 2025, more than 68,700 people had joined the waitlist at TrumpCard.gov.
  • The U.S. Department of Commerce is promoting the idea. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has highlighted global interest.
  • No law has passed. Creating a brand‑new visa category would very likely require Congressional action.

Supporters argue the program could bring in large sums, boost spending, and encourage job growth. Critics call it “citizenship for sale” and worry it would sideline other immigration routes that don’t depend on wealth.

How it compares to EB‑5

  • Current EB‑5 rules require an investment of $800,000 to $1.05 million, depending on project location, and link green cards to job creation.
  • The Trump Gold Card is described as a simpler, higher‑price option with fewer job‑creation requirements.
  • That difference is a key reason business groups and immigrant advocates are taking sides.

For official EB‑5 rules and details on eligibility, investment thresholds, and processing, see: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-fifth-preference-eb-5

Legal status and timing

Here’s the bottom line: the Trump Gold Card is not active.

  • A waitlist exists, but there’s no approved application, no final rules, and no legal authority in place.
  • Experts widely agree that setting up a new visa class almost always needs congressional approval — hearings, bill language, and votes — steps that can take months or longer, even with political support.
⚠️ Important
Joining the public waitlist does not create legal status or priority; beware promoters selling ‘fast‑track’ access — only approved legislation and official filing forms confer immigration benefit.

The program remains a proposal until Congress passes enabling legislation and any implementing rules are issued.

What supporters and critics say

  • President Trump frames the idea as a way to draw successful people who will invest, spend, and help reduce the national debt.
  • The Commerce Secretary has been marketing the proposal, pointing to heavy interest from potential investors worldwide.
  • Critics argue the U.S. shouldn’t tie green cards so directly to wealth, warning this could erode faith in fairness; some describe it as “citizenship for sale.”
  • Analysis by VisaVerge.com notes supporters emphasize growth and jobs, while opponents question the economic gains and transparency based on how similar programs performed elsewhere.

Global context

  • Other countries have experimented with “golden visas.”
  • Several faced backlash over weak vetting, uneven benefits, and poor reporting on actual jobs created.
  • That history explains the early scrutiny around oversight and economic impact for the Trump Gold Card.

Practical effects if it moves forward

If Congress approves a version of the Trump Gold Card:

  1. Investors would likely weigh a clear tradeoff: pay $5 million for a faster, simpler route, or use EB‑5’s lower investment range with stricter job rules.
  2. Regional economies could see large capital inflows, though proof of broad job creation would be closely monitored.
  3. Backlogs could grow if interest far exceeds the number of visas Congress authorizes.

If Congress doesn’t act:

  • EB‑5 remains the main investor route.
  • The Trump Gold Card stays a proposal without legal force, and waitlist sign‑ups do not convert into immigration benefits.

What we know — and don’t know

Known:
– Price point: $5 million investment.
– Promised benefits: permanent residency, work authorization, and a path to citizenship.
– Interest: more than 68,700 names on a waitlist by mid‑June 2025.

Unknown:
– Eligibility rules: income sources, background checks, and permitted investment types aren’t defined.
– Processing steps: no approved filing forms or timelines exist.
– Oversight: who would vet projects and verify outcomes remains unclear.
– Visa numbers: caps and rollover rules would depend on legislation.

Who is affected

  • Prospective investors: High‑net‑worth individuals considering the U.S. for family, education, or business.
  • Families: Spouses and children could receive dependent status, similar to current investor categories, though details await legislation.
  • U.S. employers and communities: Potential new funding for projects; questions remain about job quality and geographic distribution.
  • EB‑5 participants: Any replacement or parallel system could reshape demand, pricing, and processing priorities.

What potential investors can do now

  1. Join the TrumpCard.gov waitlist if you want updates, but understand it’s not a legal application.
  2. Compare the proposal to existing EB‑5 rules to judge cost, timing, and risk.
  3. Keep documentation ready: proof of lawful funds, tax records, and evidence of business experience.
  4. Be cautious with promoters. Until Congress acts, no one can guarantee filing, fast‑tracking, or green cards through the Trump Gold Card.
  5. Watch credible sources for legislative movement — look for bill text, committee actions, and agency guidance.

Key questions and straight answers

  • Will Congress need to approve this? Yes. Creating a new visa path usually requires legislation.
  • Is the waitlist a guarantee? No. It indicates interest only, not filing or approval.
  • Will it replace EB‑5? It’s presented as a replacement or alternative, but the impact depends on what Congress passes, if anything.
  • Why is it controversial? Critics say it puts U.S. residency up for sale and may not deliver broad economic benefits.

The policy stakes

The Trump Gold Card debate is bigger than a price tag. It raises core questions about what the U.S. wants from investor immigration: capital alone, or capital tied to verifiable jobs and community benefit. Policymakers will weigh fairness across the system — from family reunification to worker visas — while aiming to preserve public trust.

Bottom line for now

  • The Trump Gold Card is a proposal, not law.
  • The $5 million entry point is much higher than EB‑5 but may come with fewer job‑creation strings.
  • Interest is high, but outcomes depend on Congress.

Actionable takeaway: If you’re considering an investor route today, study the current EB‑5 program on the official government site linked above, keep your financial records clean and traceable, and follow Congress closely for any change that could open — or close — the Trump Gold Card window.

VisaVerge.com
Learn Today
Trump Gold Card → Proposed $5 million investor visa pathway promising residency, work authorization, and a path to citizenship.
EB-5 → Existing immigrant investor program requiring $800,000–$1.05 million investments and demonstrable job creation.
Waitlist → Registration list at TrumpCard.gov indicating interest but not an approved application or legal status.
Congressional approval → Legislative action—bills, hearings, and votes—required to create a new visa category legally.
Work authorization → Legal permission for permanent residents under the program to work in the United States.

This Article in a Nutshell

The Trump Gold Card proposal promises residency and citizenship pathway for a $5 million investment, attracting 68,700 waitlist signups by June 2025. Supporters tout capital and jobs; critics call it “citizenship for sale.” Legal authority and rules remain unsettled—Congress must pass law before any visas can be issued.

— VisaVerge.com
Share This Article
Facebook Pinterest Whatsapp Whatsapp Reddit Email Copy Link Print
What do you think?
Happy0
Sad0
Angry0
Embarrass0
Surprise0
Oliver Mercer
ByOliver Mercer
Chief Editor
Follow:
As the Chief Editor at VisaVerge.com, Oliver Mercer is instrumental in steering the website's focus on immigration, visa, and travel news. His role encompasses curating and editing content, guiding a team of writers, and ensuring factual accuracy and relevance in every article. Under Oliver's leadership, VisaVerge.com has become a go-to source for clear, comprehensive, and up-to-date information, helping readers navigate the complexities of global immigration and travel with confidence and ease.
Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest

guest

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Verging Today

September 2025 Visa Bulletin Predictions: Family and Employment Trends
Immigration

September 2025 Visa Bulletin Predictions: Family and Employment Trends

Trending Today

September 2025 Visa Bulletin Predictions: Family and Employment Trends
Immigration

September 2025 Visa Bulletin Predictions: Family and Employment Trends

Allegiant Exits Airport After Four Years Amid 2025 Network Shift
Airlines

Allegiant Exits Airport After Four Years Amid 2025 Network Shift

Breaking Down the Latest ICE Immigration Arrest Data and Trends
Immigration

Breaking Down the Latest ICE Immigration Arrest Data and Trends

New Spain airport strikes to disrupt easyJet and BA in August
Airlines

New Spain airport strikes to disrupt easyJet and BA in August

Understanding the September 2025 Visa Bulletin: A Guide to U.S. Immigration Policies
USCIS

Understanding the September 2025 Visa Bulletin: A Guide to U.S. Immigration Policies

New U.S. Registration Rule for Canadian Visitors Staying 30+ Days
Canada

New U.S. Registration Rule for Canadian Visitors Staying 30+ Days

How long it takes to get your REAL ID card in the mail from the DMV
Airlines

How long it takes to get your REAL ID card in the mail from the DMV

United Issues Flight-Change Waiver Ahead of Air Canada Attendant Strike
Airlines

United Issues Flight-Change Waiver Ahead of Air Canada Attendant Strike

You Might Also Like

Taliban ‘ready and willing’ to back Farage’s mass deportation plan
News

Taliban ‘ready and willing’ to back Farage’s mass deportation plan

By Oliver Mercer
Tiwari Slams Modi Over 0,000 H-1B Fee Rise and Policy Clarity
H1B

Tiwari Slams Modi Over $100,000 H-1B Fee Rise and Policy Clarity

By Visa Verge
Palm Bay Teen Imprisoned in Israel Sparks Outcry Over Citizenship Limits
Citizenship

Palm Bay Teen Imprisoned in Israel Sparks Outcry Over Citizenship Limits

By Oliver Mercer
Indians Emigrating to the US in Record Numbers: Donkey Flight in Paris Not the First
Immigration

Indians Emigrating to the US in Record Numbers: Donkey Flight in Paris Not the First

By Robert Pyne
Show More
VisaVerge official logo in Light white color VisaVerge official logo in Light white color
Facebook Twitter Youtube Rss Instagram Android

About US


At VisaVerge, we understand that the journey of immigration and travel is more than just a process; it’s a deeply personal experience that shapes futures and fulfills dreams. Our mission is to demystify the intricacies of immigration laws, visa procedures, and travel information, making them accessible and understandable for everyone.

Trending
  • Canada
  • F1Visa
  • Guides
  • Legal
  • NRI
  • Questions
  • Situations
  • USCIS
Useful Links
  • History
  • Holidays 2025
  • LinkInBio
  • My Feed
  • My Saves
  • My Interests
  • Resources Hub
  • Contact USCIS
VisaVerge

2025 © VisaVerge. All Rights Reserved.

  • About US
  • Community Guidelines
  • Contact US
  • Cookie Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Ethics Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
wpDiscuz
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?