Trump unveils fast-track permanent residency plan to replace EB-5 and draw elite capital
MARKET INSIDER – The United States has officially launched a new “gold card” immigration program aimed squarely at the global ultra-wealthy, offering permanent legal residency — and a pathway to citizenship — in exchange for a seven-figure payment to the U.S. government. The move marks a significant shift in Washington’s approach to investment-linked immigration and underscores President Donald Trump’s push to monetize residency while tightening broader immigration controls.
The online application portal went live after Trump formally announced the program at a White House ceremony in the Roosevelt Room, attended by prominent business leaders. Branded as a replacement for the long-running EB-5 investor visa, the gold card abandons job-creation requirements in favor of a direct payment model, with entry prices set at $1 million for individuals and $2 million for companies sponsoring foreign executives.
Trump framed the initiative as both an economic and strategic play, arguing that the U.S. should compete globally for top-tier talent and capital. All proceeds from gold card sales, he said, will flow directly to the federal treasury and be managed by the U.S. Treasury Department, potentially generating billions of dollars for public spending. The president had previously floated a $5 million price tag but later recalibrated the cost to broaden appeal while maintaining exclusivity.
In practical terms, the gold card functions as a premium green card. Holders gain permanent residency, global mobility, and eventual eligibility for U.S. citizenship. Trump described it as “a green card, but better — stronger, more powerful, and a much more secure pathway.”
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed that gold card holders will be subject to U.S. worldwide taxation, just like citizens and permanent residents. In addition to the upfront investment, applicants must pay a $15,000 vetting fee. Lutnick argued the policy represents a philosophical shift in U.S. immigration strategy, prioritizing high-value contributors over lower-skilled inflows. “We are now selecting the best of the best,” he said, emphasizing that the program is designed to add economic value rather than compete with American workers.
A more exclusive “platinum card,” priced at $5 million and offering extended stays in the U.S. without global income taxation, has been discussed but is unlikely to launch soon, as it would require congressional approval.
The rollout of the gold card comes amid a broader crackdown on immigration under the Trump administration, affecting both legal and undocumented pathways. For global high-net-worth individuals, however, the program signals that access to the U.S. remains open — provided they can pay for it. Beyond immigration, the initiative reflects a deeper trend: nations increasingly competing for elite capital and talent as geopolitical uncertainty reshapes global mobility.
