Shamini 
(C): Twitter
Former President Trump of the United States announced an ambitious immigration plan called the “Gold Card”. The Gold Card grants permanent residency and potential citizenship for foreign nationals who invest $5 million in the United States. The plan was announced on June 12, 2025, along with the official launch of a government-sponsored website, trumpcard.gov, which is currently available and accepting waitlist signups.
The program, heavily promoted on Trump’s social media platform Truth Social. The newly launched website showcases a gleaming gold card embossed with Trump’s likeness, designed to project exclusivity and high status. Any interested applicants will be asked to provide some basic information about themselves and their business.
A High-Stakes Alternative to EB-5
The “Gold Card” program is considered by many to be a possible replacement for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which requires a minimum investment of $1.8 million or $900,000 in high unemployment areas, as well as the creation of jobs. This new plan is different from EB-5 in that it has a flat $5 million entry point and does not require Congressional approval because it is framed as a residency pathway and not direct citizenship.
According to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the initiative is a “huge opportunity”, especially for rich Indian nationals. Trump said, “Wealthy people will be coming into our country by buying this card.”
Legal Scrutiny and Controversy
Despite the hype, legal experts have expressed concern. An internal memo flagged by the U.S. State Department called out a “high risk” that the program would be blocked by the Office of Management and Budget or challenged in the courts. Opponents say that charging $5 million, well above processing costs, runs counter to established Supreme Court precedent.
Whether Gold Card will change U.S. immigration policy or be blocked under legal challenge remains to be seen. Trump’s golden route to U.S. residency is now live for those who can afford the ticket.
