Trump Announces $5M “Trump Card” Citizenship Fast-Track for Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals can now join waitlist for high-priced pathway to U.S. citizenship

By Mary Campbell | Editorial credit: noamgalai / shutterstock.com 

Washington, D.C., June 12, 2025 — Foreign nationals with a spare $5 million may soon have a new route to U.S. citizenship—courtesy of former President Donald Trump. In a social media post Wednesday night, Trump unveiled a controversial “Trump Card” program, promising fast-track immigration status to high-net-worth individuals.

The announcement, posted on Truth Social, states:

- Advertisement -

“FOR FIVE MILLION $DOLLARS, THE TRUMP CARD IS COMING! Thousands have been calling and asking how they can sign up to ride a beautiful road in gaining access to the Greatest Country and Market anywhere in the World. It’s called THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! THE WAITING LIST IS NOW OPEN. To sign up, go to – TRUMPCARD.GOV.”

According to the post, the “Trump Card” offers a preferential path toward permanent residency and eventual citizenship for those who contribute $5 million to the U.S. economy. Trump claimed that applicants would be thoroughly vetted and described as “great people who are going to come and bring businesses and opportunity to America.”

The administration overseeing the rollout offered further details about the plan, which is being promoted as a “gold card” immigration program. The policy has not yet been formally adopted by the Department of Homeland Security or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and it remains unclear what legal mechanism the program would use—such as expansion or reinterpretation of the EB-5 investor visa category.

A New “Pay-to-Stay” Model?

The proposal has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum. Critics argue it effectively turns U.S. citizenship into a commodity, favoring wealthy foreigners while millions of immigrants wait years or decades to obtain legal status.

Howard Lutnick, a prominent Trump ally and financier, added financial context to the initiative during a press conference:

“If 200,000 people purchase the card for $5 million, that’s $1 trillion. We’re giving away 280,000 visas annually for free right now—not even counting the 20 million people who broke into this country under Biden. Trump’s gonna bring in a trillion dollars to make America better. It makes perfect sense to me.”

The Trump Card is modeled loosely on the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which grants green cards to investors who contribute at least $800,000 to a U.S. business that creates 10 full-time jobs. However, the Trump Card sets the bar much higher regarding financial contribution and presumed benefits. This could potentially affect the existing EB-5 program, leading to changes in its requirements and benefits.

Legal and Policy Questions Loom

There is currently no legislation authorizing a $5 million visa pathway. The website TrumpCard.gov, referenced in the post, was live Thursday morning but provided only an email sign-up form to “join the waitlist.” No further details about eligibility, application procedures, or the legal framework were provided.

Immigration attorneys are urging caution.

“Congress would have to legislate a new program. I really don’t know what legal authority you would have to just create this new program out of whole cloth,” says Sharvari Dalal-Dheini, senior director of government relations for the American Immigration Lawyers Association. This professional perspective underscores the potential legal challenges the Trump Card may face.

In other words, implementing the program Trump proposed would require lawmakers to enact new legislation. This process could face significant challenges, including legal hurdles, political opposition, and public scrutiny, which may affect the feasibility of the Trump Card.

Advocates for immigrants expressed outrage over the implications. They criticized the system as tiered and inequitable, pointing out that it allows billionaires to secure entry through wealth while refugees and families remain stuck in prolonged uncertainty.

Political and Economic Implications

The ‘Trump Card’ is not just an immigration tool, but also a potential revenue generator. Trump’s team projects it could stimulate trillions in economic growth. However, opponents caution that it may erode public trust in immigration fairness and national values.

Despite the questions about feasibility and legality, the ‘Trump Card’ has sparked significant interest. Within hours of the announcement, the waitlist reportedly received thousands of email submissions, underscoring the high public interest in this new proposal.

Conclusion

Whether the Trump Card becomes law, remains a campaign proposal, or transforms into a private sector endeavor leveraging brand recognition, it has already reignited a fierce debate about immigration reform, economic nationalism, and the price of the American Dream. As the 2026 election season heats up, immigration is once again front and center—this time, with a $5 million price tag.