Is the $5 Million Gold Card Too Expensive? U.S. Reports Selling 1,000 Per Day

When asked why someone should purchase the Gold Card, Lutnick explained that if he weren’t already an American, he would have bought six—one for himself, his wife, and other family members. He saw it as a safeguard, allowing them to relocate to the U.S. and start anew in the event of war or another crisis.

He further clarified that the Gold Card would replace the traditional green card, granting permanent U.S. residency. While holders would have the option to pursue citizenship, Lutnick suggested that most might choose not to, in order to avoid U.S. global taxation. Priced at $5 million each, the card would provide the right to live in the U.S. indefinitely.

Understanding the U.S. Gold Card 

With a price tag of $5 million, the Gold Card program is set to replace the EB-5 immigrant investor visa. Established in 1990, the EB-5 program allowed immigrants to obtain green cards by investing a minimum of $1 million in a business—or $800,000 in a low-income area—while creating at least 10 jobs. In 2024 alone, over 4,500 EB-5 visas were issued.

Trump stated that there would be no limit on the number of Gold Cards available.

Key Differences Between the U.S. Gold Card and Green Card

A Green Card typically provides permanent residency through employment, investment (via the EB-5 program), or family sponsorship. However, the application process is often lengthy and complicated.

Introducing the Gold Card, President Trump suggested it could serve as a replacement for the existing EB-5 investor visa program. Under the current EB-5 program, applicants must invest a minimum of $1.5 million, or a lower amount if the investment is directed toward a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) that fosters job creation for American workers.