Islamabad, Mar 25, 2025: The United States has introduced a controversial “Gold Card” visa program, granting a direct path to citizenship for investors willing to contribute $5 million.
This initiative, launched under former President Donald Trump, aims to attract high-net-worth individuals and is reportedly issuing around 1,000 visas daily.
The program, unveiled in February, is set to replace the long-standing EB-5 investor visa.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick shared on the All-In Podcast that an estimated 37 million individuals worldwide have the financial means to purchase these visas.
The administration has set an ambitious target of selling one million “Gold Cards.”
“There are 37 million people globally who can afford this card.
The president believes we can sell a million,” Lutnick stated.
He also credited billionaire investor John Paulson for shaping the initiative, while Elon Musk is allegedly designing the technological infrastructure for its processing.
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While the program has the potential to generate substantial revenue for the U.S., it has sparked controversy.
Critics argue that it prioritizes wealthy individuals over other immigrants, effectively creating a two-tiered immigration system.
At the same time, the administration continues to enforce stricter policies on undocumented immigrants, adding to the debate.
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Despite concerns surrounding its implementation, Trump has indicated that the “Gold Card” visa does not require congressional approval, making it a cornerstone of his broader immigration reform strategy.
As discussions continue, this initiative remains a focal point in the evolving landscape of U.S. immigration policy.
