Trump introduces a green card for the rich: the gold card
NPR Online NewsFEB 27
Trump Unveils $5M 'Gold Card' Visa
Above: US Pres. Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House on Feb. 25, 2025 Image copyright: Alex Wong/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
The gold card program is a strategic approach to attract high-net-worth individuals who will contribute significantly to the US economy through substantial investments, tax payments, and job creation. Meanwhile, there will be stronger vetting procedures to prevent fraud and ensure quality applicants rather than the current EB-5 program. This is a winning idea from President Trump.
Anti-Trump narrative
This program creates a discriminatory two-tier immigration system that favors the wealthy while ignoring hardworking immigrants, potentially opening doors for money laundering and corruption. Trump essentially wants to sell American citizenship to the highest bidder without proper congressional oversight.