President Donald Trump’s “gold card visa” program, which some critics initially called a “bad” idea, is proving to be quite successful. During a recent appearance on the podcast “All-In,” Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick revealed that the program has already brought in $5 billion in just one day.
This initiative, designed to attract wealthy individuals to the U.S. by offering residency status in exchange for significant financial investment, is showing early signs of being a major win for the country.
Lutnick explained that the program’s benefits are clear. By encouraging the world’s wealthiest and most productive individuals to spend time in the U.S., the program could lead to the creation of family offices, job opportunities, and increased economic activity. These individuals are likely to invest in the country, hire local talent, and contribute to the economy in meaningful ways.
The gold card visa program was announced in February as a replacement for the EB-5 program, which grants green cards to foreigners who invest at least $1 million in job-creating projects in the U.S. While the EB-5 program has been around for years, Trump’s new approach aims to streamline the process and make it more appealing to high-net-worth individuals.
However, not everyone is on board with the idea. Former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, a Republican who supported Nikki Haley during the GOP primary, criticized the program, calling it a “bad idea.” He argued that offering preferential treatment to the wealthy undermines the value of U.S. citizenship, which he described as “the most desired thing on the planet.”
Despite such criticisms, the reality is that wealth often brings privilege. From access to top-tier healthcare and education to high-paying jobs and legal advantages, the wealthy have long enjoyed benefits that others do not.
The gold card visa program simply formalizes this dynamic in the context of U.S. residency and citizenship.
By charging $5 million per person, the program could generate significant revenue to help address the country’s massive national debt, which currently stands at $36 trillion. Lutnick estimated that there are 37 million individuals worldwide who could afford the gold card, and Trump believes the U.S. could sell up to a million of them, potentially raising $5 trillion.
Critics might argue that selling residency and potential citizenship feels uncomfortable or unfair. However, proponents of the program point out that it is a practical and transparent way to attract investment and talent to the U.S.
Unlike the current situation at the southern border, where millions of undocumented immigrants are entering the country, the gold card program ensures that only vetted, high-net-worth individuals are granted residency.
Trump and Lutnick have emphasized that applicants will undergo thorough background checks, and if they fail to meet expectations, their money can be refunded, and they can be deported quickly.
In contrast to the Democratic approach, which some argue has led to an influx of undocumented immigrants straining public resources, the gold card program offers a controlled and economically beneficial alternative.
While it may not be perfect, the early success of the initiative suggests that it could be a valuable tool for addressing both economic and immigration challenges in the U.S. As Trump continues to apply his business acumen to government policies, the gold card visa program stands as another example of his unconventional but effective strategies.
