A quarter-million people are already lined up for President Donald Trump’s newly proposed “gold card” visa, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced Thursday. The program, which offers a path to citizenship for those willing to invest $5 million, is expected to generate over $1.25 trillion in revenue if fully utilized.
“There are 250,000 people waiting in line now,” Lutnick told The Hill. “If they’re willing to pay the $5 million, that’s over a trillion dollars that comes directly to — $1.25 trillion just for that line. And I think these people are going to come enormous ways because they know they can come into America, and they can be in the greatest country on earth.”
Trump’s plan would replace the existing EB-5 program, which has been in place for 35 years. The EB-5 program allowed investors to gain residency by investing around $1 million in a business that creates at least 10 jobs. The “gold card” visa, however, raises the investment requirement and streamlines the process for wealthy, highly vetted individuals who will contribute significantly to the U.S. economy.
Lutnick defended the initiative as a way to help reduce the national debt while ensuring that only highly qualified individuals gain entry. “These are going to be great global citizens who are going to bring entrepreneurial spirit, capacity, and growth to America,” he said. “If one of them comes in, think of the jobs they’re going to bring with them, the businesses they’re going to bring with them. And they’re going to pay American taxes, as well. So, this is huge money for America.”
Trump compared the “gold card” to an upgraded green card, offering similar benefits with an accelerated route to citizenship. “Wealthy people will be coming into our country by buying this card. They’ll be successful, they’ll be spending a lot of money, and they’ll be employing a lot of people,” Trump stated Tuesday.
The proposal has already garnered significant attention, particularly from high-net-worth individuals eager for a streamlined immigration process. The administration views this plan as a win-win, attracting top-tier investors while reinforcing the U.S. economy.
