A new U.S. investment-based visa program championed by President Donald Trump is expected to launch imminently, according to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who revealed that the official website for the so-called “Gold Card” will go live within a week.
Speaking at an Axios event on Monday, Lutnick said the administration aims to unveil the initiative’s online portal at trumpcard.gov, marking the first formal step in rolling out what could become a flagship immigration policy in Trump’s second term.
“I expect there will be a website up called trumpcard.gov in about a week,” Lutnick stated. “Full program details will follow shortly.”
High-Stakes Visa: $5 Million for Permanent Residency
The Gold Card is designed to offer U.S. permanent residency in exchange for a $5 million investment in the American economy, positioning it as a high-tier alternative to the existing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. Currently, the EB-5 visa requires a minimum investment of $1.05 million, or $800,000 in targeted employment areas.
Lutnick hinted the Gold Card might go even further, potentially providing:
A direct pathway to U.S. citizenship
Tax exemptions on foreign income
Expedited processing and enhanced privileges for investors
The initiative, he said, could generate up to $1 trillion if fully subscribed, with 200,000 foreign investors contributing capital over time.
“These are going to be great people who are going to come and bring businesses and opportunity to America,” Lutnick added.
Strong Demand Already Surfacing
According to Lutnick, investor interest—particularly from the Middle East and Asia—is already building. During a recent regional tour, he noted high enthusiasm from ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
“Everyone I meet who is not an American is going to want to buy this card if they have the fiscal capacity,” he remarked.
Supporters of the plan argue it could provide a much-needed boost to U.S. economic growth, reduce reliance on debt financing, and stimulate job creation through foreign entrepreneurship and real estate development.
Legal Hurdles and Political Uncertainty
Despite its promise, the program has raised significant legal questions. Immigration experts note that creating a brand-new visa category typically requires congressional approval. To date, no legislation authorizing the Gold Card has been passed by Congress.
Nonetheless, the Trump administration appears prepared to launch a registration phase and gauge market interest before tackling legislative hurdles.
“It’s unclear how far the executive branch can go without new statutory authority,” said an immigration attorney at Fragomen LLP. “But clearly, there’s a political appetite to move fast.”
A Global Trend — With Mixed Results
The U.S. would be joining a growing list of nations that offer “golden visa” programs, including Portugal, Greece, the United Arab Emirates, and Singapore. While such initiatives have been successful in attracting capital, many have faced criticism for limited economic impact, opaque oversight, and potential money laundering risks.
Several European countries have already scaled back or suspended their golden visa schemes in response to domestic and EU-level concerns.
“The key to this program’s credibility will be transparency, strict vetting, and economic accountability,” said a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.
Looking Ahead
The launch of trumpcard.gov is expected within the next week, with broader policy implications likely to unfold throughout 2025. The program’s reception—by investors, immigration advocates, and Congress—will determine whether it becomes a cornerstone of Trump’s second-term economic strategy or faces legal and political gridlock.
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