Trump’s $5 Million “Gold Card” Visa Program Attracts 70,000 Applicants: What You Need to Know

Politics/ Donald Trump
Donald Trump’s new $5 million “Gold Card” visa has drawn nearly 70,000 applicants in 2025. Here’s a clear breakdown of how the program works, who’s applying, and what it means for the U.S. economy.

What Is Trump’s “Gold Card” Visa?

In 2025, President Donald Trump proposed a bold immigration and investment plan: a $5 million visa program called the “Gold Card.”

This initiative is designed to grant U.S. residency to wealthy foreigners who are willing to invest in America and create jobs.

Unlike typical green card programs, the Gold Card focuses on high-net-worth individuals and is part of Trump’s vision to boost the U.S. economy without burdening taxpayers.

Why Is It Making Headlines?

As of June 2025, the program has attracted nearly 70,000 applicants worldwide. According to official reports, the online registration portal saw a massive surge—thousands joining the waitlist within hours.

This overwhelming interest surprised many, given the high price tag of $5 million per visa.

Key Features of the Gold Card Program

Feature Details

💰 Cost: $5 million investment per applicant
🧳 Eligibility: Foreign investors and job creators
🏠 Benefit U.S. residency for the applicant and family
⏳ Status: Registration open; visas not yet issued
🎯 Goal: Raise $1 trillion+ in revenue

Who Is Applying?

The program is mainly attracting:

Billionaires and ultra-high-net-worth individuals from Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Foreign entrepreneurs who are looking to expand into U.S. markets.

Business leaders aiming for U.S. residency for educational, security, or family reasons.

Some speculate that global instability, changing tax laws, and demand for American access are pushing wealthy elites to apply.

Trump’s Vision Behind the Plan

Trump says the Gold Card will:

Create jobs for Americans by requiring investment in businesses.

Generate revenue to reduce national debt and fund public infrastructure.

Reduce illegal immigration by offering legal pathways for the ultra-wealthy.

Compete with other “Golden Visa” programs globally (like those in Portugal and the UAE).

Criticism and Concerns

While the program is gaining traction, it’s not without criticism:

“Selling America”: Critics argue it gives special treatment to the rich while working-class immigrants face long waits.

Ethical and legal questions: Immigration experts say it must pass through multiple layers of approval from DHS and Congress.

Wealth inequality: Some fear it could deepen global economic divides by favoring elites.

Economic Impact

If all 70,000 applicants paid the full $5 million:

That would generate $350 billion in potential revenue.

Trump’s team claims a long-term goal of issuing up to 200,000 Gold Cards, potentially raising $1 trillion or more.

These funds could go toward public debt, infrastructure, or job-creating programs—but full rollout details remain unclear.

What’s Next?

The U.S. government has not yet officially approved the visa. Right now:

The system is collecting registrations through an online portal.

Legal and political processes will determine when and how the visas are issued.

Trump’s campaign continues to promote the idea as part of a larger economic revival plan.

Conclusion

Trump’s “Gold Card” visa has stirred global interest, with 70,000 wealthy individuals lining up for a chance to invest in America—and gain residency.

While it’s a bold move aimed at economic growth, it also raises big questions about fairness, access, and America’s immigration future.

As the program unfolds, the world is watching to see whether this golden promise becomes a political reality or remains a luxury dream.