Millionaires Rush to Join Trump’s “VIP Visa” Pipeline

The Statue of Liberty’s famous inscription welcoming the “tired, poor, huddled masses” may need an update as America’s newest immigration pathway caters exclusively to the global elite. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced Thursday that the Trump administration’s “Gold Card” program—featuring the president’s face on a gold-colored card with a $5 million price tag—will launch within the next ten days.

“I’m very excited that within a week-and-a-half we’re going to start with the gold card and the Trump card—it’s coming out, and we’re excited about that,” Lutnick declared during a White House cabinet meeting, according to USA Today.

The program has apparently already found an enthusiastic market, with Lutnick previously announcing the sale of 1,000 Gold Cards, generating $5 billion in a single day. This early success comes despite—or perhaps because of—the card’s unique feature: President Trump’s likeness prominently displayed on its face.

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Presidential Salesman: Air Force One Pitch Meeting

Trump himself has become the program’s chief promoter. During a recent flight on Air Force One, the president proudly displayed the physical card to reporters. “For $5 million, this could be yours,” Trump pitched. “You know what that card is? It’s the Gold Card, the Trump Card.”

When asked who would be the first buyer, Trump quipped, “Me,” before adding it would be publicly available “in less than two weeks.” He then asked the assembled press corps, “Anybody want to buy one?” The exchange, reported by The Independent, occurred amid significant market turmoil following Trump’s announcement of worldwide tariffs.

The Gold Card program effectively replaces the EB-5 immigrant investor visa program, which required investments between $800,000 and $1.05 million that create or preserve U.S. jobs. By contrast, the Gold Card simply requires a direct $5 million payment to the government with no specific investment requirements.

WHERE WERE YOU THE DAY AFTER LIBERATION DAY WHERE TRUMP LITERALLY SHOWED THE WORLD WHAT THE GOLD 'TRUMP CARD' IS GOING TO LOOK LIKE? 🙂 pic.twitter.com/jSeAhdVzMQ
— Brian Cates – Political Columnist & Pundit (@drawandstrike) April 4, 2025

Legal Questions and Constitutional Concerns

The administration’s decision to implement the program without congressional approval has raised significant legal questions. David Bier, an immigration expert at the CATO Institute, has called the move “totally illegal,” explaining that “only Congress can create new green card categories, and a president cannot add or eliminate a green card category via executive order.”

President Trump has dismissed these concerns, stating that he isn’t seeking congressional approval because the program provides only “a path to citizenship” rather than immediate citizenship. This distinction has done little to allay concerns about the constitutionality of the program’s implementation.

Despite the legal uncertainties, the program’s rapid rollout suggests the administration is committed to moving forward regardless of potential legal challenges.

National Debt Solution or Immigration Revolution?

The Gold Card program represents a potential financial windfall for the federal government. With the national debt exceeding $36.22 trillion and increasing by approximately $4.87 billion daily, the program is being positioned as an innovative fiscal solution.

According to Forbes, Lutnick estimates that 37 million people worldwide can afford the $5 million price tag. If 200,000 Gold Cards were sold, the resulting $1 trillion could make a significant impact on the national debt. More ambitiously, selling 10 million cards would theoretically generate enough revenue to eliminate the entire debt.

The program includes another significant incentive for wealthy foreigners: unlike American citizens, Gold Card holders will not have to pay taxes to the U.S. government on their overseas income. This provision makes the program particularly attractive to international high-net-worth individuals who may want access to the U.S. market without the full tax burden of citizenship.

Redefining American Values and Identity

The Gold Card program represents a fundamental shift in American immigration philosophy, effectively creating a two-tiered system where the ultra-wealthy can bypass traditional pathways through direct payment. Critics argue this undermines America’s historical self-image as a land of opportunity accessible to people of all economic backgrounds.

While “golden visa” programs exist in other countries like the UAE, Portugal, Spain, and Italy, the American version’s higher price point and direct government payment model distinguish it from international alternatives that typically require investments in businesses, real estate, or other economic activities.

The social implications remain uncertain. Lutnick has acknowledged that many Gold Card holders will likely maintain their primary residence outside the United States to avoid U.S. taxation, creating a scenario where wealthy individuals can access the benefits of U.S. residency without fully participating in its civic responsibilities.

The Private Club of American Residency

As the program prepares to launch next week, significant questions remain about its implementation and oversight. The identities of the initial 1,000 purchasers remain private, raising questions about the vetting process for this new class of residents.

Economic concerns include the potential impact on housing markets and local communities. An influx of ultra-wealthy residents could drive up property values in desirable areas, potentially exacerbating affordability challenges for middle- and lower-income Americans.

With its golden sheen, presidential branding, and exclusive price point, the Gold Card program transforms American residency into a luxury product—redefining not just immigration policy, but potentially the very concept of the American Dream itself.

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