On Thursday, former U.S. President Donald Trump revealed a new immigration initiative targeted at affluent foreigners: a $5 million “Gold Card” visa. This elite immigration offering, aimed at high-net-worth individuals, was presented during a press briefing aboard Air Force One, where Trump showcased the design of the card bearing his image.

Calling it the “Trump Card,” the former president introduced the visa as a premium alternative to the existing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program, which has long been a route for wealthy immigrants to secure U.S. residency through financial investments. Trumps unveiling marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, focusing on exclusivity, prestige, and a streamlined process for the ultra-rich.

A Symbol of Status: For $5 Million, This Could Be Yours

While displaying the card, Trump referred to it as a “symbol of exclusivity and opportunity.” Emphasizing its elite nature, he declared, For $5 million, this could be yours. According to Trump, this new Gold Card is more than just a visa it’s a statement of status, power, and prosperity.

He playfully noted that he was the first to buy the card, though he admitted uncertainty about who the second buyer was. That was the first of the cards. Do you know what that card is? Its the gold card the Trump card, he told reporters.

Trump added that the card would be officially launched in the coming weeks. It will be out in less than two weeks, probably, he said, suggesting that interested buyers wouldnt have to wait long to access this new pathway to the American dream.

Replacing the EB-5 Visa: A Move Toward Luxury Immigration

The Gold Card visa is positioned to replace the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program, a long-established route for foreign investors to obtain permanent residency in the U.S. The EB-5 program currently requires a minimum investment of $800,000 in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs) or $1.8 million in other regions, with the additional requirement of creating at least ten full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

Trump criticized the existing EB-5 framework, calling it inefficient and outdated. He suggested that the new Gold Card visa would offer a faster, more desirable alternative, free from bureaucratic hurdles and infused with a premium brand image. With its $5 million price tag, the Gold Card significantly raises the bar in terms of financial commitment but promises a more streamlined and prestigious immigration process.

Strong Demand Reported: Over 1,000 Cards Already Sold

Despite the hefty price tag, early indications suggest strong global interest in the program. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated last month that more than 1,000 Gold Cards had already been sold. He also mentioned that an estimated 37 million people worldwide possess the financial means to purchase the card, suggesting a vast potential market for this new Visa offering.

If accurate, this level of demand indicates a robust appetite for high-end immigration solutions among the global elite particularly those seeking to relocate to the United States for business, lifestyle, or investment opportunities.

Historical Context: Comparing Two Decades of EB-5 Visas

The EB-5 program, since its inception over 25 years ago, has facilitated the issuance of 135,518 visas, according to statistics from Invest in the USA (IIUSA), the national trade association representing EB-5 stakeholders. Compared to that long-term total, the sale of over 1,000 Gold Cards in just a short period signals a dramatic shift toward wealth-driven immigration strategies.

While critics may raise concerns about fairness, accessibility, and the commercialization of U.S. residency, proponents argue that the Gold Card could attract valuable investments, boost the economy, and create jobs similar to, but possibly on a larger scale than, the EB-5 program.