Elon Musk’s Team Eyes ‘Gold Card’ Visa Market
Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, is playing a pivotal role in the Gold Card's development.
By: Tupaki Desk | 17 April 2025 11:07 AM ISTDonald Trump's dream project, the Gold Card, is set to hit the markets within a week or ten days. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced this development, highlighting the project's readiness for sales. This initiative is part of Trump's broader vision, unveiled shortly after his second term inauguration, offering a unique pathway to American citizenship for affluent immigrants. The Gold Card serves as the cornerstone of this exclusive program.
Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, is playing a pivotal role in the Gold Card's development. Engineers from Musk's team are crafting the application process, ensuring a seamless experience for potential buyers. This project aims to cater specifically to wealthy immigrants, offering them a streamlined route to U.S. citizenship, bypassing standard visa applications.
The New York Times reported that the Gold Card project is under the leadership of Marco Ellege and Edward Coristine. These officials have been in discussions with various agencies, focusing on visa and immigration policies to devise an appropriate strategy for the Gold Card. Their efforts are directed towards creating a system that simplifies the immigration process for high-net-worth individuals.
In a significant boost to the project, Howard Lutnick revealed that on a single day, 1,000 Gold Cards were sold, generating $5 billion. This impressive feat demonstrates the high demand for the card, which is expected to be accessible to 37 million people worldwide. However, no financial details were disclosed regarding these transactions.
The Gold Card is designed to supplement the existing EB-5 visa program, which has brought in nearly $4 billion in revenue for the U.S. last year. Despite its success, the EB-5 program has been criticized for fraud and abuse. The Gold Card aims to address these issues by providing a lawful means for investors to gain U.S. citizenship and permanent residency.
A sample of the Gold Card, showcased by Trump, features his portrait along with iconic American symbols like the Statue of Liberty and the Bald Eagle. This card not only symbolizes a direct path to American citizenship for the wealthy but also embodies the nation's welcoming spirit towards those who can contribute significantly to its economy.
The integration of the Gold Card into the EB-5 visa program reflects an effort to enhance the efficiency and integrity of the U.S. immigration system. By offering a legitimate alternative to traditional routes, the project seeks to attract investment while curbing illegal practices associated with immigration.
This initiative marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, aiming to balance economic benefits with the need to maintain legal and ethical standards. As the Gold Card prepares for its market debut, it represents a new era of opportunities for wealthy individuals seeking to make the United States their home.