The US is issuing 1,000 “Gold Card” visas daily through a controversial program introduced by former President Donald Trump, offering a direct path to citizenship for individuals willing to invest $5 million. Launched in February, the initiative is set to replace the existing EB-5 investor visa program.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, speaking on the All-In Podcast, revealed that there are 37 million potential buyers worldwide, with the administration aiming to issue one million of these visas. “There are 37 million people who can afford the card… The president believes we can sell a million,” Lutnick stated. He also mentioned that billionaire investor John Paulson played a role in conceptualizing the program, while Elon Musk is reportedly assisting with its software infrastructure.
While the initiative is expected to generate substantial revenue for the US, it has drawn criticism for creating a two-tiered immigration system favoring the wealthy, even as the administration continues efforts to deport undocumented immigrants.
Despite concerns about its rollout, Trump has asserted that the Gold Card visa program will bypass congressional approval, positioning it as a central element of his broader immigration strategy.