Trump Launches $5M Gold Card Website for US Residency

President Donald Trump has launched a government-backed website, trumpcard.gov, to promote a $5 million 'gold card' immigration program offering wealthy foreigners a streamlined pathway to permanent U.S. residency. Marketed as a more sophisticated alternative to the existing EB-5 investor visa, the card aims to attract high-net-worth individuals who will contribute to the economy by spending, paying taxes, and creating jobs, with proceeds potentially helping reduce the national debt. Although the website allows users to register for a waiting list, direct applications are not yet open, and specific implementation details remain unclear. Trump emphasized that the gold card does not grant immediate citizenship but positions the program within his broader merit-based immigration strategy. While the initiative has drawn some praise for focusing on investment-based immigration, it has also faced social media criticism for the website's simplistic design and the concept of selling residency at such a high price. The Trump administration and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick highlight the program's potential economic benefits, but it remains uncertain if congressional approval is required before the plan can be enacted.