Key Takeaways
• The $5 million Gold Card visa remains a proposal without legal standing as of July 2025.
• Congress must pass new laws to implement the Gold Card; none have been introduced.
• The existing EB-5 investor visa requires $800,000–$1.05 million investment and job creation.
As of July 2025, the much-publicized $5 million “Gold Card” visa, often called the “Trump Card,” remains a proposal without any legal standing in the United States 🇺🇸 immigration system. Despite the attention it has received, including a prototype card and a government website collecting expressions of interest, there is currently no way for wealthy foreigners to secure U.S. residency or citizenship through this program. The Gold Card cannot move forward without new laws passed by Congress, and experts say it faces major legal, political, and practical barriers.
What Is the Gold Card and Why Is It in the News?
The Gold Card is a proposed visa program announced by President Donald Trump in February 2025. The idea is simple on the surface: wealthy foreigners could pay $5 million for a fast-track to U.S. residency and, eventually, citizenship. President Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have promoted the Gold Card as a way to attract rich investors and raise trillions of dollars to help pay down the national debt.
In April 2025, a prototype of the Gold Card was shown to the public, and by June, a government website (trumpcard.gov) was launched. This site allows people to register their interest in the program. However, it is important to note that this is only a mailing list, not an actual visa application. No official application process or eligibility criteria have been published.
Can the Gold Card Be Offered Without a New Law?
No. Under current U.S. law, the president does not have the power to create new visa categories or change who can get a green card or citizenship. Only Congress can do that by passing new laws. The last major change to U.S. visa eligibility happened in 1990.
As of July 2025, no bill has been introduced or passed in Congress to create the Gold Card visa. The idea has not been discussed in any official hearings, and there is no sign that lawmakers are interested in moving forward with such a plan. In fact, recent Congressional hearings have focused on making visa rules stricter, not opening new fast lanes for the wealthy.
Immigration attorneys and policy experts agree: the Gold Card cannot be implemented without new legislation. If the administration tried to create it by executive order, it would almost certainly be challenged in court and struck down.
How Does the Gold Card Compare to Existing Investor Visas?
The United States 🇺🇸 already has an investor visa program called EB-5. This program allows foreigners to get a green card if they invest between $800,000 and $1.05 million in a business that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. The EB-5 program is capped at 10,000 visas per year and has strict rules to prevent abuse.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Gold Card (Proposed) | EB-5 (Current Law) |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Amount | $5 million | $800,000–$1.05 million |
| Job Creation Required | No (unclear) | Yes (at least 10 jobs) |
| Legal Status | Not implemented | Active |
| Path to Citizenship | Promised, not available | Available |
| Application Process | None (mailing list only) | Standard USCIS process |
| Congressional Approval | Required, not obtained | Not needed (existing law) |
Key differences:
– The Gold Card would require a much larger investment but does not clearly require job creation.
– The EB-5 program is already in place, with clear rules and a legal process.
– The Gold Card is only a proposal and cannot be used to get U.S. residency or citizenship.
For those interested in the EB-5 program, more information and the official application process can be found on the USCIS EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program page.
Why Hasn’t Congress Acted on the Gold Card?
Congress holds the power to create or change visa categories. As of July 2025, there has been no movement in Congress to consider or pass a law creating the Gold Card. The Republican-controlled Congress has shown little interest in expanding visa options for wealthy foreigners. Instead, lawmakers have focused on tightening existing rules and increasing oversight of current programs like EB-5.
No bills have been introduced, and no hearings have been scheduled to discuss the Gold Card. Without Congressional action, the program cannot move forward.
What Are the Legal and Political Challenges?
Legal Barriers:
– The president cannot create new visa categories or change eligibility for green cards or citizenship without Congress.
– Any attempt to implement the Gold Card by executive order would likely be challenged in federal court and struck down.
Political Barriers:
– There is no broad political support for the Gold Card.
– Critics argue the program would favor the wealthy and do little to help the broader U.S. economy.
– Some lawmakers worry about the impact on housing prices, inequality, and national security, pointing to problems seen in similar programs in other countries.
Practical Barriers:
– The program promises to raise trillions of dollars, but experts say this is unrealistic.
– Many global millionaires already live in the United States 🇺🇸 or do not meet the $5 million net worth requirement.
– The actual demand for such a program is likely much lower than the number of people who have registered interest online.
What Do Immigration Lawyers and Experts Say?
Immigration attorneys are warning clients not to pursue the Gold Card. They stress that it is not a real or available pathway to U.S. residency or citizenship. Any money spent or effort made to secure a Gold Card at this time would be wasted.
Policy experts from groups like the Cato Institute and the Center for Immigration Studies have called the Gold Card “almost certainly illegal” without new laws. They say any attempt to create the program without Congress would be met with immediate lawsuits.
Industry insiders report that while there is strong initial interest from wealthy clients, the lack of legal clarity and the high price tag make the Gold Card unattractive and risky.
What About the Website and Registration Process?
The official website, trumpcard.gov, allows people to sign up for a mailing list to receive updates about the Gold Card. However, this is not an application for a visa. No legal process, eligibility criteria, or application forms have been published. Registering your interest does not put you in line for a visa or give you any special status.
If you are interested in legal immigration pathways, the best step is to consult with a qualified U.S. immigration attorney or visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website for up-to-date information.
How Have Other Countries Handled Similar Programs?
Many countries have offered so-called “golden visas” or “golden passports” to wealthy foreigners in exchange for large investments. These programs have often faced backlash and policy reversals due to concerns about:
- Rising housing prices
- Increased inequality
- National security risks
- Abuse and fraud
Some countries have shut down their programs or made them much stricter in response to public criticism. The United States 🇺🇸 has watched these developments closely, and lawmakers are aware of the risks.
What Are the Implications for Stakeholders?
For Wealthy Foreigners:
– There is currently no legal way to buy U.S. residency or citizenship through the Gold Card.
– The only investor visa option is the EB-5 program, which has lower investment requirements but strict job creation rules.
– Any attempt to pursue the Gold Card now is risky and not supported by law.
For Immigration Attorneys and Law Firms:
– Lawyers are advising clients to avoid the Gold Card and focus on established pathways like EB-5.
– Law firms are monitoring the situation but do not expect changes soon.
For U.S. Employers and the Economy:
– The Gold Card is promoted as a way to bring in wealthy investors, but there is no evidence it would create jobs or help the broader economy.
– The EB-5 program remains the main way for foreign investment to support job creation in the United States 🇺🇸.
For Policymakers:
– There is little political support for creating a new fast lane for the rich.
– Lawmakers are more focused on tightening existing rules and preventing abuse.
What Should Prospective Investors Do Now?
If you are a foreign investor interested in U.S. residency, here are some practical steps:
- Do not rely on the Gold Card. It is not a real or available program.
- Explore the EB-5 program. This is the only current investor visa option. You can find official information and application forms on the USCIS EB-5 page.
- Consult a qualified immigration attorney. Laws and policies can change, and an experienced lawyer can help you understand your options and avoid scams.
- Stay informed. Watch for updates from official government sources and reputable immigration news outlets.
What Is the Future of the Gold Card?
The outlook for the Gold Card is uncertain. Unless Congress acts to create a new visa category, the program is unlikely to become reality. No bills are pending, and there is no sign of political momentum. Immigration law firms and policy analysts are watching for any legislative developments, but none are expected in the near future.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the Gold Card remains a proposal without legal standing, and experts strongly advise against relying on it as a pathway to U.S. residency or citizenship.
Summary: Key Points to Remember
- The Gold Card is not a real or available visa. There is no legal way to buy U.S. residency or citizenship for $5 million at this time.
- Congress must pass a new law to create the Gold Card. No such law has been introduced or passed.
- The only investor visa option is the EB-5 program, which requires an investment of $800,000–$1.05 million and the creation of at least 10 jobs.
- Immigration attorneys advise against pursuing the Gold Card and recommend focusing on established, legal pathways.
- Registering interest on trumpcard.gov does not give you any special status or place in line for a visa.
- Stay informed through official sources like USCIS and consult with qualified professionals before making any decisions.
Where to Find Official Information
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on U.S. immigration options, including investor visas, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) official website. This site provides details on all current visa categories, eligibility requirements, and application forms.
If you are considering the EB-5 program, you can access the official Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor directly from the USCIS website.
Final Thoughts
While the idea of a Gold Card may sound appealing to some, it is not a real option under current U.S. law. Only Congress can create new visa categories, and there is no sign that lawmakers are interested in moving forward with this proposal. For now, the EB-5 program remains the only legal pathway for investors seeking U.S. residency. Always rely on official sources and professional legal advice when considering your immigration options.
Learn Today
Gold Card → A proposed $5 million visa for fast U.S. residency, currently without legal authorization or process.
Congress → The U.S. legislative body required to pass laws to create new visa categories like the Gold Card.
EB-5 Visa → An existing investor visa requiring $800,000–$1.05 million investment and 10 jobs creation for residency eligibility.
Executive Order → A presidential directive that cannot create new visa categories without congressional approval.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services agency managing visa applications and immigration processes.
This Article in a Nutshell
The Gold Card proposal promises a quick U.S. residency path for $5 million, but lacks legal approval. Congress must pass new laws, which hasn’t happened. Meanwhile, the EB-5 visa remains the only legal investor route with clear job creation requirements and a set application process.
— By VisaVerge.com
