Trump Unveils ‘Gold Card’ Initiative to Attract Wealthy Foreigners, Open Doors for Indian Graduates

Washington, Feb 27 – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a new immigration initiative, the ‘gold card’, which will allow affluent foreigners to live and work in the U.S. with a path to citizenship in exchange for a $5 million fee. The initiative is expected to benefit Indian graduates from top U.S. universities, including Harvard and Stanford.

Speaking from the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump emphasized that the current U.S. immigration system hinders top international talent, particularly from countries like India, China, and Japan, from securing long-term employment in the U.S.

‘Gold Card’ vs. Green Card​

Trump described the gold card as a premium version of the green card, providing foreign nationals with enhanced privileges and a streamlined route to U.S. citizenship.

“We’re going to be selling a gold card. You have a green card. This is a gold card. It will cost about $5 million, allowing wealthy individuals to stay, work, and eventually become U.S. citizens.”

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He pointed out that many talented graduates from elite institutions are often forced to leave the U.S. due to visa uncertainties, leading them to build successful businesses in their home countries instead.

Boost for U.S. Companies & Economy​

Trump highlighted that under this scheme, American companies can purchase gold cards to recruit top international graduates without visa constraints.

“A company can buy a gold card and use it for recruitment. This will allow top talent to stay in the country while generating revenue to reduce national debt.”

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He projected that millions of gold cards could be sold, positioning the initiative as a key revenue driver for the U.S.

Replacement for EB-5 Visa Programme​

The gold card is set to replace the existing EB-5 immigrant investor visa program, which currently allows foreigners to obtain green cards by investing a minimum of $1.05 million (or $800,000 in economically distressed zones) in job-creating U.S. businesses.

The new programme is expected to launch within two weeks, offering a fast-track alternative for wealthy individuals and corporations to secure U.S. residency and citizenship.

The announcement signals a major shift in U.S. immigration policy, potentially reshaping the landscape for international talent, particularly Indian graduates seeking long-term career opportunities in the U.S.