Key insights
- President Trump’s “gold card” could simplify the path to U.S. citizenship for wealthy investors, making the U.S. a top destination for global talent.
- The program may have potential economic benefits, including job creation and significant revenue generation, that could help reduce the national debt.
- Stay updated to understand the broader implications of this idea on U.S. immigration policy and its potential to boost the economy.
Understand how policy changes could impact your organization.
The U.S. continues to be a top destination for foreign nationals due to its robust economy and diverse opportunities. Recent trends indicate immigration increases both supply and demand in the economy, contributing significantly to economic growth.
Economic benefits of immigration
In 2024, more immigration to the United States made faster employment growth possible — without excessive inflationary pressure — by lowering labor costs. Additionally, the United States offers various incentives for foreign nationals, such as the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which provides a pathway to permanent residency for those investing in job creation in the United States. This program has been particularly attractive to investors seeking to secure a future in the United States while contributing to the economy.
Introducing the gold card concept
Despite the apparent success of EB-5 visas, President Donald Trump is seeking to modify the program.
At a White House press conference on February 26, Trump and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick introduced the concept of a “gold card” as a new pathway to U.S. citizenship.
The proposal aims to supplement or replace the existing EB-5 immigrant investor visa program, which required foreign investors to create or preserve 10 permanent full-time jobs for U.S. workers. The gold card simplifies this process by allowing wealthy foreigners to pay $5 million for a visa granting them green card privileges and a route to citizenship.
Potential impact of the gold card program
Currently, there are no details underlying this concept, much less a formal proposal or program in place.
Trump envisions the gold card would be valuable for both the United States and investors. The program would attract highly productive individuals who would create jobs, pay taxes, and contribute to economic growth.
By offering a clear and straightforward path to citizenship, the gold card would aim to make the United States a more attractive destination for global talent and investment. Moreover, companies could use this gold card as a recruitment tool, enabling them to hire top talent from around the world without the uncertainties of the current visa system.
Revenue generation and economic growth
Perhaps one of the most compelling aspects of the gold card program is its potential to generate substantial revenue for the U.S. government. If 200,000 gold cards are sold, it would generate $1 trillion. If 1 million gold cards are sold, it would generate $5 trillion. These funds would be used to pay down the national debt, with the goal of potentially eliminating it entirely.
How CLA can help
Trump's gold card program would be a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy. By simplifying the process and offering a direct route to citizenship for wealthy investors, the program could boost the U.S. economy and reduce the national debt. We’ll keep you posted if and when the program rolls out.
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