On December 10, 2025, President Donald Trump announced the Gold Card Citizenship program, which allows individuals to apply for legal residency in the United States by contributing $1 million to the U.S. Treasury. For corporate-sponsored applicants, the required contribution is $2 million per foreign employee. This initiative is intended to replace the existing EB-5 visa program, which was established in 1990 to encourage foreign investment in U.S. businesses by requiring a minimum investment of $1 million that creates at least 10 jobs.

During a roundtable discussion with business leaders at the White House, Trump emphasized the importance of attracting skilled talent from abroad, particularly graduates from U.S. universities who face visa restrictions. He described the Gold Card as a more advantageous version of a green card, providing a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship. However, specific job creation requirements for corporations and limits on the number of visas issued were not addressed, which are part of the current EB-5 program.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick noted that the program would include a $15,000 non-refundable processing fee for applicant vetting, ensuring that only qualified individuals receive visas. The program is designed to appeal to companies seeking top talent, particularly from countries such as China, India, and France.

While the Gold Card program aims to generate significant revenue for federal initiatives, it raises questions about the implications for equity and access within the U.S. immigration system. Critics may argue that the focus on financial contributions prioritizes wealth over other important factors in immigration policy, potentially sidelining humanitarian considerations in favor of corporate interests. Investor visa programs are not unique to the U.S., as similar options exist in countries like the United Kingdom, Spain, and Canada.