The 'gold card' program, launched on the initiative of US President Donald Trump with a minimum investment of $1 million, has not yet become as popular as expected. According to Associated Press, only one foreigner has purchased this preferential card so far.
This 'gold card' is significant as it allows foreign citizens to legally live and work in the US, paving the way for obtaining citizenship later. The program was launched last December.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik stated that a total of $1.3 billion in 'trade' has been conducted in this area. However, it has not yet been disclosed who exactly purchased the 'gold card'.
According to information, Donald Trump proposed this idea in 2025, and the initial price of the card was set at $5 million. He emphasized that the goal of such an initiative is to attract foreign investors and talented professionals, as well as to generate additional revenue for the state budget.
The new program is intended to replace the EB-5 investment program, which has been in place for many years. According to it, individuals who invest at least $1 million and create 10 jobs can obtain the right to live in the US.
'Although only one buyer has been confirmed so far, hundreds of applicants are in line,' stated Howard Lutnik.
Currently, the US national debt has reached $31.3 trillion, and the budget deficit for the current year is expected to be around $2 trillion. Therefore, such investment programs are of significant economic importance.
It should be noted that similar 'golden visa' or investment residency programs are also in effect in several countries such as the United Kingdom, Spain, Greece, and Canada, serving to attract wealthy investors.
