Trump’s $5M Gold Card Immigration Plan: 3 Things to Know.

I once met a young Nigerian entrepreneur at a networking event in Lagos. He had built a thriving business, created jobs, and was finally considering expanding to the U.S. His plan? The EB-5 visa required a substantial investment and supported job creation. Now, with Trump’s new $5 million Gold Card immigration plan: Is America still an option for an average African, or is U.S. residency now reserved for billionaires?

If you’re eyeing the U.S. for investment, business, or a fresh start, here’s what you need to know about Trump’s controversial immigration proposal and how it impacts African investors.

1. What Exactly is the ‘Gold Card’ Immigration Program?

Forget the old EB-5 visa—Trump’s new Gold Card immigration plan is a fast track to U.S. residency and citizenship for those who can pay $5 million upfront. No job creation. No economic impact requirements. Just cash.

Key Details:

✔ $5 Million Buy-In – Get a direct path to U.S. citizenship with no need to create jobs.
✔ No Economic Contributions Required – Unlike EB-5, which funded U.S. businesses, this program is strictly about who can afford it.
✔ “World-Class” Vetting? – Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says applicants will be screened, but details remain unclear.
✔ Open to All Ultra-Rich Foreigners – Trump even mentioned his “nice” Russian oligarch friends, raising geopolitical concerns.

Why It Matters for African Investors

While this could make U.S. residency easier for the super-rich, it shuts out mid-tier investors—especially those from Africa’s growing but smaller wealthy class.

2. How This Differs from the EB-5 Visa (And Why That’s Controversial)

The EB-5 visa program, which Nigerians were considering, required foreign investors to create jobs in the U.S. in exchange for residency. Despite its flaws, it had a clear economic impact. The Gold Card changes that.

What’s Different?

🔺 Massive Price Increase – EB-5 required $800K–$1.05M, while Gold Card demands $5M upfront—pricing out most African entrepreneurs.
🔺 No Job Creation Mandate – EB-5 ensured investors contributed to U.S. businesses; Gold Card skips this entirely.
🔺 Risk of Political Influence – EB-5 previously funded Trump/Kushner properties. The Gold Card, with even fewer restrictions, raises concerns over conflicts of interest.

The Backlash

Even bipartisan U.S. lawmakers criticized EB-5 for benefiting the wealthy. Now, the Gold Card is being slammed for going even further—turning U.S. residency into a “pay-to-play” system.

3. What African Investors Must Consider Before Applying

For Africa’s elite, this might seem like a shortcut to the American Dream—but it’s not that simple.

Key Challenges:

🔹 Can You Afford It? – This program is designed for only the top 0.1%.
🔹 Family Inclusion? – The EB-5 visa allowed spouses and children; Gold Card terms for dependents are still unclear.
🔹 Vetting Risks – U.S. immigration has strict fraud detection for certain countries. Could this slow down or reject African applicants?
🔹 Better Alternatives? – Canada, Portugal, and the U.K. offer investor visas for far less than $5M—so is the Gold Card worth it?

Final Takeaway

Trump’s Gold Card immigration plan transforms U.S. residency into a luxury item. It’s a game-changer for the ultra-rich but a dead-end for mid-level investors. With no transparency, sky-high costs, and limited benefits, African investors must seriously weigh their options before buying into this policy.

Thinking about your best immigration or job relocation options? Wakawaka Doctor has you covered. Stay informed and explore smarter, more affordable ways to move abroad.