Key Takeaways

• President Trump launched the Trump Gold Card program on his website.
• Wealthy foreigners can buy U.S. residency for $1 million plus a $15 million processing fee.
• The plan replaces the EB-5 visa that requires $800 000 investment or 10 new jobs.
• Social media users mocked the idea as a gold-shaped bribe scheme.
• Experts warn the card has hidden costs and no faster green-card path.

What is the Trump Gold Card

President Trump unveiled a new visa scheme called the Trump Gold Card. Through this plan, wealthy foreigners pay $1 million and a $15 million government fee to get U.S. residency. A future Platinum Card will cost $5 million and sit on a waitlist. This offer aims to replace the EB-5 investor visa program. EB-5 lets foreign investors secure work permits if they invest $800 000 or create at least ten U.S. jobs.

On Truth Social, Trump called the Gold Card a “direct path to citizenship.” He said it will help U.S. firms keep top talent. The website shows eagles over amber mountains with the words “Unlock life in America.” It went live just 30 minutes after the announcement.

Why the Trump Gold Card drew mockery

Almost immediately, people on social media ridiculed the Trump Gold Card. They saw it as a fake gold-shaped bribe. One user joked that it sounded like a “make-believe gold card” for wealthy foreigners to do “whatever the hell they want.” Another pointed out the card does not speed up EB-1 or EB-2 green cards. They noted green cards stay subject to country quotas and annual limits. Dependents even face an extra $1 million fee each.

Many argued the Trump Gold Card could harm U.S. startups. One critic said American entrepreneurs must now compete against rich newcomers. They argued that this competition cuts into the American dream. Another person marveled that the website even suggests paying with crypto. They found it odd that anyone with a million dollars is called a person of “exceptional business ability.”

Meanwhile, skeptics on another platform pointed out how the site claims to be an “official U.S. government” page. Yet, the program’s launch has been “days away” for months. The new Platinum Card listing offers no clear details beyond a waitlist sign-up. Some called the site an “email scam-a–government.”

How the Trump Gold Card compares to EB-5

The existing EB-5 program lets a foreign entrepreneur:

• Invest $800 000 in a U.S. project or zone, or
• Create ten full-time American jobs.

After these steps, the investor and their family can apply for green cards. The application process can take years. It also faces per-country limits, so backlogs often grow. In contrast, the Trump Gold Card promises a direct path to citizenship. However, it adds a massive $15 million processing fee on top of $1 million. The proposed Platinum Card will further hike that to $5 million.

Immigration experts say that extra fee does not guarantee a faster green card. It only buys the right to apply. As a result, the actual wait time could still stretch for years. Critics also warn that the system might favor the richest people over skilled immigrants and entrepreneurs.

Experts weigh in on the Trump Gold Card

Immigration lawyers, policy fellows, and economists have shared doubts about the Trump Gold Card. One attorney stressed that the card does not bypass per-country caps. They said buyers still enter the same long lines for green cards. An immigration council fellow noted that millionaires often already have existing visa paths. Therefore, this new card seems redundant.

A hotel industry observer argued that foreign investors already dominate parts of hospitality. They warned the card could worsen that trend. As a result, American workers might lose opportunities. A social sociologist also raised concerns about states of wealth defining who can live in America. They found it strange that the program treats high net worth as a stand-in for “exceptional ability.”

On the flip side, some supporters claim the plan will boost U.S. companies. They believe it helps keep global talent close to home. They also argue that the fees will pour billions into the economy. Yet, most experts agree that real economic benefit comes from sustained business activity, not just one-time payments.

What comes next for the Trump Gold Card

For now, the Trump Gold Card website is live. However, many wonder if the program has legal backing. It lacks detailed rules about who qualifies and how fees get used. Congress never passed a law to create this card. That means the Department of Homeland Security must issue new regulations. They must also ensure compliance with existing immigration statutes.

If the Trump Gold Card moves forward, the administration will face court challenges. Opponents could argue it bypasses Congress and upends immigration policy. Lawmakers might also block funding for the plan. As things stand, the program feels more like a campaign promise than a firm policy. Many expect delays, legal battles, and technical fixes before real applications appear.

Even so, the idea alone has stirred debate about who deserves American residency. It highlights tensions between wealth and merit. It also raises questions about fairness in U.S. immigration rules. Whether this plan ever becomes reality, it shows how money still talks in politics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does the Trump Gold Card offer?

The Trump Gold Card promises a path to U.S. residency for wealthy investors. It costs $1 million plus a $15 million processing fee. It aims to replace the EB-5 visa program, but it still faces visa caps and long waits.

How is the Trump Gold Card different from EB-5?

EB-5 requires an $800 000 investment or creation of ten U.S. jobs. The Gold Card adds a $15 million fee and claims direct citizenship access. Yet, it does not remove country limits or speed up green-card processing.

Can dependents use the Trump Gold Card?

Yes, family members can apply too. However, each dependent must pay an additional $1 million fee. Experts warn this cost makes the program very expensive for large families.

Will the Trump Gold Card plan actually launch?

The website is live, but the program lacks a legal basis in Congress. DHS must still issue rules and face possible court challenges. Many experts believe it will face delays or never fully roll out.