US President Donald Trump has unveiled a new immigration initiative officially dubbed the "Gold Card" or “Trump Card” allowing wealthy foreign nationals to gain a pathway to US residency by contributing $5 million to the federal government. The announcement came via Trump’s Truth Social post, where he likened the card to a “more sophisticated” version of the Green Card, branding it a “beautiful road” to accessing the “Greatest Country and Market in the World.”

While Trump framed it as a fast-track to the American Dream, the fine print clarified that the Gold Card does not automatically guarantee citizenship. Instead, it provides enhanced access to the immigration system potentially easing the path to permanent residency under existing laws. Trump insists that since the card doesn’t offer automatic citizenship, it doesn’t require congressional approval.

The program’s online application portal trumpcard.gov is now live, inviting applicants to join a waitlist. Trump’s pitch targets high-net-worth individuals globally, including wealthy investors from India. The move mirrors aspects of investor visa programs like the EB-5, but with a significantly higher price tag and presidential branding.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated at the recent US-India Strategic Partnership Forum that the initiative would be particularly appealing to wealthy Indians looking to gain access to American markets and residency options. “We are going to be incredibly successful in India,” Lutnick said, pledging a visit to the country tied to the card’s rollout.

Critics argue the plan commercializes American immigration policy, while supporters see it as a pragmatic economic strategy. Though details on legal implementation remain sparse, the Gold Card has already ignited global conversation about wealth-based access to residency rights and whether America’s immigration future is up for sale.