Trump Launches $5 Million 'Gold Card' Visa Program for Wealthy Foreign Investors

Former President Donald Trump has officially introduced the "Trump Card," a $5 million investor visa program offering expedited U.S. permanent residency and a potential pathway to citizenship for affluent foreign nationals. The initiative is accessible through the newly launched website, TrumpCard.gov, where interested individuals can join a waitlist by providing their name, region, and email address.

Key Details of the Trump Card Program

Cost: Applicants must invest $5 million in the U.S. economy to qualify.

Benefits: The card offers permanent residency, work authorization, and a pathway to U.S. citizenship.

Replacement of EB-5 Visa: The Trump Card is designed to replace the existing EB-5 investor visa program, which requires a minimum investment of $1 million to $800,000 in targeted employment areas.

Tax Implications: Unlike the EB-5 visa, Trump Card holders would not be liable for federal income tax on income earned outside the U.S., a feature that may face legal challenges due to constitutional concerns.

Revenue Potential: If 200,000 cards are sold, the program could generate $1 trillion in revenue, potentially aiding in reducing the national debt.

Public Reception and Legal Considerations

The initiative has garnered significant interest, with over 25,000 individuals signing up within 15 hours of the website's launch. However, the program faces criticism and legal scrutiny. Immigration attorney Theda Fisher warns that bypassing Congress to create new immigration categories could lead to legal challenges, as Congress is responsible for defining legal immigration categories.

Additionally, some billionaires have expressed skepticism about the program. A Forbes poll found that nearly three-quarters of billionaires interviewed were not interested in the scheme, citing reasons such as the high cost and the U.S.'s taxation policies on global income.