US Trump’s Gold Card: What It Means For Nigerians

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday, February 25th 2025 that the US would sell a “gold card” to wealthy foreigners, giving them the right to live and work in the US and offering a path to citizenship in exchange for a $5 million fee.

“We’re going to be selling a gold card,” Trump said from the Oval Office. “You have a green card. This is a gold card. We’re going to be putting a price on that card of about $5 million and that’s going to give you green card privileges, plus it’s going to be a route to citizenship. And wealthy people will be coming into our country by buying this card.”

What Is the Trump Gold Card?

The Trump Gold Card is a new proposed visa program that would grant foreign nationals U.S. residency and a potential path to citizenship in exchange for a substantial financial investment. While the details are still unfolding, the program is set to replace the existing EB-5 investor visa, which traditionally required a minimum investment of $1 million (or $500,000 in certain rural areas). This program seeks to streamline the process for wealthy individuals who can contribute significantly to the U.S. economy, bypassing the traditional job creation requirements associated with the EB-5 visa.

The goal of the Trump Gold Card is to attract affluent individuals who have the financial means to boost the U.S. economy through investments in sectors such as infrastructure, technology, or real estate. By doing so, it seeks to draw not just investors but also their families to the U.S., providing a quicker and more efficient route to residency and eventual citizenship.

How Does the Trump Gold Card Work?

The mechanics of the Trump Gold Card are designed to encourage economic contributions from foreign nationals. In exchange for a $5 million investment, the individual (and possibly their immediate family) would receive permanent U.S. residency, often referred to as a “green card.” Over time, the cardholder could then apply for U.S. citizenship.

The Trump Gold Card aims to simplify the existing process. Under the previous EB-5 program, foreign investors were required to create at least 10 jobs for U.S. workers. This requirement has been relaxed in the new proposal, with the focus shifting more towards the direct economic contributions from the investment itself rather than job creation.

This makes the program particularly appealing to high-net-worth individuals who are looking for a less cumbersome route to U.S. residency without the burden of meeting job creation quotas.

What Does the Trump Gold Card Mean for Nigerians?

For Nigerians, the Trump Gold Card could represent an exciting new opportunity to gain U.S. residency, particularly for those who have the financial means to meet the $5 million investment requirement. As Nigeria has one of the largest diaspora populations in the United States, with many seeking a stable life and better opportunities for their families, this program could provide a faster and more straightforward path to the U.S. than existing immigration routes.

While Nigerians have been using programs like the EB-5 Investor Visa, the H-1B visa, and family-sponsored visas to enter the U.S., the Trump Gold Card offers a more direct route for those who are financially well-positioned. It’s likely that wealthy Nigerians will consider this option as an attractive alternative to more traditional visa programs that require complex paperwork or specific employment opportunities. However, the high investment requirement may limit participation to only the most affluent individuals in the country.

Existing Travel and Immigration Channels for Nigerians

Currently, Nigerians who wish to immigrate to the U.S. have several options, each with its own set of requirements:

EB-5 Investor Visa: The traditional investor visa requires a minimum investment of $1 million (or $500,000 in certain areas). This program also demands that the investment create at least 10 jobs for U.S. citizens. For Nigerians with significant capital to invest, this has been a popular option, though it is more complex and slower compared to the Trump Gold Card proposal.

H-1B Visa: This visa is for individuals with specialized skills, typically requiring a job offer from a U.S. employer. While this is a more common visa route, it is not as straightforward as the Trump Gold Card, especially for entrepreneurs and investors.

Family-Sponsored Visas: Nigerians with close family members who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents can apply for a family-sponsored visa. This route can take several years depending on the relationship and the applicant’s home country.

Student Visas (F-1): Many Nigerians pursue education in the U.S. through student visas, which can lead to work opportunities after graduation. This process requires securing a spot in a U.S. institution and maintaining full-time student status.

The introduction of the Trump Gold Card could serve as an alternative for Nigerians who wish to bypass some of the hurdles of traditional immigration programs. For those who have the financial means to invest, the Gold Card offers a faster and more direct way to access U.S. residency without the waiting times and paperwork often associated with the other visa routes.

What Are the Benefits of the Trump Gold Card?

The Trump Gold Card could be a game-changer for both foreign investors and the U.S. economy. For wealthy individuals, it offers the following benefits:

A Fast Track to U.S. Residency: Unlike other visa programs, the Gold Card simplifies the process and offers a more immediate route to permanent residency.

Economic Contribution: By investing in U.S. businesses and industries, cardholders are expected to stimulate economic growth and create new opportunities within the country.

Family Inclusion: Similar to other U.S. residency programs, the Trump Gold Card would allow investors to bring their immediate family members, ensuring that their loved ones also benefit from the move.

Pathway to Citizenship: After holding a Gold Card for several years, investors can apply for U.S. citizenship, securing long-term rights and benefits for themselves and their families.

A New Era for U.S. Immigration?

The Trump Gold Card represents a bold shift in U.S. immigration policy, providing wealthy individuals an expedited pathway to residency and citizenship in exchange for a substantial investment. For Nigerians and other global citizens with the financial means to participate, this could be an attractive option, offering faster access to the U.S. than traditional visa routes. However, the high financial barrier to entry means that the program will likely benefit only the wealthiest individuals. The Trump Gold Card could reshape the landscape of U.S. immigration, especially for those seeking a faster route to permanent residency.