The U.S. “Golden Card” Immigration Program – A $5 Million Pathway to Citizenship

1. Introduction to the “Golden Card” Immigration Program

On February 25, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new immigration initiative called the “Golden Card” Program. This program allows foreign nationals to purchase U.S. permanent residency and an opportunity to become American citizens for a $5 million fee.

This program is expected to replace the current EB-5 investment visa, which requires a minimum investment of $1.05 million and the creation of at least 10 jobs for American workers. However, with the Golden Card, applicants do not need to invest or create jobs—they only need to pay the fee directly to the federal government.

2. Why Do People Want to Immigrate to the U.S.?

2.1. Opportunities for Everyone

Regardless of who you are, the U.S. offers unparalleled opportunities:

• Working-class individuals: Can work hard and earn a decent living.
• Entrepreneurs: Can expand their businesses in the world’s largest economy.
• Billionaires: Can safeguard their wealth and enjoy a high standard of living.

2.2. World-Class Social Benefits

The U.S. is known for its robust social welfare system, which includes:

• Top-tier education at prestigious universities like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT.
• Healthcare benefits under Medicare and Medicaid.
• Housing and unemployment assistance to help immigrants stabilize their lives.

2.3. The World’s Leading Economy

• The U.S. boasts the largest GDP globally, exceeding $25 trillion per year.
• Diverse job opportunities spanning various sectors, from blue-collar work to high-tech industries.
• A thriving financial and investment market, attracting investors worldwide.

3. Who Will Be Interested in the “Golden Card” Program?

Not everyone can afford to pay $5 million for U.S. citizenship. This program mainly targets ultra-high-net-worth individuals from countries such as:

• China: Wealthy Chinese entrepreneurs and billionaires seek U.S. passports to ensure global mobility and protect their assets.
• Russia & the Middle East: Some Russian billionaires want to relocate due to international sanctions, while Middle Eastern elites seek a stable environment for their families and investments.
• Europe: Investors may be interested in U.S. citizenship to expand their businesses or benefit from the American tax system.

However, Vietnamese investors might not find this program appealing, as $5 million is a substantial amount compared to the average wealth in Vietnam.

4. The “Golden Card” Program – Opportunity or Controversy?

Trump’s “Golden Card” initiative has sparked widespread debate. Some experts argue that:

• The $5 million fee is excessively high, even for the wealthy.
• The U.S. enforces a global income tax, which may discourage affluent individuals from seeking U.S. citizenship.
• Many wealthy individuals prefer a Green Card over U.S. citizenship, as they want the freedom to live and work in the U.S. without being subject to worldwide taxation.

5. Tax Implications for Ultra-Wealthy Individuals

A major reason why the Golden Card program might not attract ultra-wealthy individuals is U.S. taxation policies.

• Once someone becomes a U.S. citizen, they must pay global income taxes, regardless of where they live.
• This means that billionaires, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals must report and pay taxes on all their worldwide income.
• As a result, many wealthy individuals prefer permanent residency (Green Card) or investor visas that allow them to reside in the U.S. without tax obligations.

6. Is the “Golden Card” Truly Attractive to Billionaires?

While the Golden Card may seem enticing on paper, in reality, many billionaires may not be willing to spend $5 million solely for U.S. citizenship.

• European countries offer cheaper residency programs—for example, Malta requires only €750,000 for European Union citizenship.
• Australia and Canada have attractive residency-by-investment programs with lower financial requirements and more flexible tax policies.
• Many billionaires might prefer investing in U.S. real estate or the stock market rather than purchasing citizenship, as these alternatives still allow them to reside in the U.S. without global taxation.

7. Conclusion

Donald Trump’s Golden Card program is a bold move in U.S. immigration policy, but will it succeed?

• The U.S. remains the most attractive destination for immigrants, but the $5 million price tag is a significant barrier.
• Many wealthy individuals may hesitate due to U.S. taxation policies.
• Other countries offer more cost-effective and flexible immigration programs for the ultra-wealthy.

What are your thoughts on the Golden Card program? If given the opportunity, would you be willing to pay $5 million to settle in the U.S.? Share your opinion in the comments below!

#GoldenCardProgram #USImmigration #DonaldTrump #USCitizenship #InvestmentVisa #AmericanDream #USVisa #WealthyImmigrants