Foreign investors eyeing the American dream now have a new gold ticket—literally. President Donald Trump has launched the “Trump Card,” a flashy $5 million visa-for-investment program offering permanent U.S. residency, with a website already live for sign-ups.
Billed as a fast-track to green card status, the new initiative aims to draw high-net-worth individuals willing to inject significant capital into the American economy. The announcement, shared on Trump’s Truth Social account, was full of characteristic flair—and plenty of caps lock.
What Exactly Is the Trump Card?
First announced back in February, the Trump Card program promises a straightforward path: invest $5 million in the United States and receive permanent residency in return.
The initiative mirrors EB-5 visa mechanics but adds a layer of branding only Trump could conjure. The website—trumpcard.gov—features a gleaming digital rendering of a gold card imprinted with Trump’s image, styled with an unmistakable nod to luxury credit cards.
It’s clear this isn’t just a visa program. It’s a product, a symbol, and yes, a political statement.
That’s Trumpian marketing at its boldest. And he may not be wrong—interest has surged since the site went live.
How to Apply? Just $5 Million and a Few Clicks
The application process is surprisingly streamlined—at least, on paper.
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Visit trumpcard.gov
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Submit your basic details to join the waitlist
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Prepare documentation of $5 million in investable capital
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Wait for government verification and next steps
That’s it for now. While the fine print on investment routes, background checks, and program caps remains sparse, the website promises more details in “upcoming weeks.”
A single paragraph on the FAQ page reads: “Once approved, you’ll be one step closer to living, working, and investing in America—forever.”
Who Is This For? And What’s In It For the U.S.?
This program is clearly designed for ultra-wealthy foreigners—primarily from Asia and the Middle East, according to early buzz in immigration attorney circles. Trump’s messaging seems tailor-made for affluent investors disillusioned with bureaucracy-heavy routes like Canada’s or Australia’s.
What’s the appeal for America?
Jobs, capital, and a loyalty base that aligns with Trump’s pro-investment, anti-red tape rhetoric. It’s not just money—it’s momentum, especially in key states like Florida and Texas where economic growth often ties back to foreign capital.
A policy analyst at the Cato Institute called it “a political brand overlay on the old EB-5,” noting that Trump’s version skips the development projects and regional center bureaucracy.
Comparisons With EB-5: What’s the Difference?
Though Trump’s plan has echoes of the EB-5 visa, there are stark contrasts.
| Feature | EB-5 Visa | Trump Card Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Investment | $800,000–$1,050,000 | $5,000,000 |
| Target Demographic | Mid-to-high net worth | Ultra-high net worth |
| Processing Timeline | 2–4 years | Unknown (claimed “faster”) |
| Branding | Government program | Trump-branded golden card |
| Transparency | Moderately transparent | Still opaque (pending full rollout) |
The $5 million price tag sets a much higher bar. But as with luxury items, exclusivity is part of the appeal.
Critics Call It a “Visa for the Rich,” Trump Calls It a “Win”
Immigration reform groups decried the plan as “elitist” and “morally out of sync” with U.S. values. Progressive lawmakers slammed it as “green cards for gold bars,” questioning how a residency program could be sold like a premium credit card.
But Trump, unsurprisingly, sees it differently.
In a Thursday follow-up post, he wrote, “People who love this Country want to live here—and they’re willing to invest. This is a win-win. More jobs, more loyalty, more growth. Beautiful!”
Short sentence. Big message.
And while the administration hasn’t released any quota or limit yet, immigration policy analysts are already watching closely to see how this may affect traditional pathways.
The Gold Rush Is On — But Still Full of Unknowns
Despite the buzz, there are still many blanks yet to be filled in. The website has minimal guidance on legal pathways, processing time, regional requirements, or even types of acceptable investments. Attorneys say they’re holding off advising clients until regulations are officially published.
But that hasn’t stopped early interest. At least a dozen investment firms and immigration consultancies across Dubai, Singapore, and Shanghai say they’ve already had inquiries.
A law firm in San Francisco said, “We’ve received four serious calls just today, asking if this is real.”
The demand is there—even if the rules aren’t.
Could This Tilt 2024’s Narrative Again?
With immigration sure to play a key role in the upcoming election cycle, the Trump Card rollout doubles as a political gambit. While critics paint it as selling residency to billionaires, Trump frames it as national enrichment and job creation.
It’s a stark contrast to the usual “border security” drumbeat. And it shows how Trump is weaving high-wealth immigration into his campaign playbook.
All in all, it’s equal parts visa program, political theater, and luxury branding. But one thing’s certain: if you’ve got $5 million and a dream, the gold road to America just opened up.
