President Trump’s proposal to sell $5 million “Gold Card” visas offering wealthy foreigners a path to citizenship has sparked a divided response with 41 percent supporting and 47 percent opposing per a recent Rasmussen poll. Announced in February 2025 the plan replaces the existing EB-5 investor visa program aiming to attract high-net-worth individuals to boost the economy. With 13 percent of Americans undecided the idea has ignited debate over immigration fairness and national priorities.
The Gold Card would grant permanent residency and eventual citizenship to those who invest $5 million in the U.S. according to Trump’s pitch to create jobs and reduce national debt. Proponents argue it’s a pragmatic way to draw capital and talent from abroad with the president claiming it will “sell like crazy” to wealthy investors. Critics however decry it as a pay-to-play scheme that favors the rich while sidelining ordinary immigrants seeking opportunity.
The EB-5 program it replaces required investments of about $1 million to create or preserve 10 U.S. jobs offering a lower bar for entry. Trump’s version raises the stakes significantly positioning the U.S. alongside nations like Canada and Malta with similar “golden visa” offerings. Opponents point to the U.K.’s decision to end its program in 2022 over security risks as a cautionary tale for this upscale approach.
Public reaction reflects deeper divides over immigration policy with 41 percent seeing it as a smart economic move per Rasmussen’s findings. Supporters highlight potential tax revenue and employment gains especially in struggling regions hungry for investment. The 47 percent opposed argue it undermines the merit-based system long championed by immigration reformers on both sides of the aisle.
Immigrant rights advocates have slammed the proposal as elitist noting it prioritizes wealth over need or family ties. They worry it could exacerbate inequality at a time when low-income immigrants face mass deportation threats from the same administration. The contrast between the Gold Card and ongoing border crackdowns has fueled accusations of hypocrisy in Trump’s immigration stance.
Business leaders have shown cautious optimism with some predicting demand from Asia and the Middle East where such programs have historically thrived. Analysts estimate the $5 million price tag could generate billions if even a few thousand visas are sold annually. Skeptics however question whether the high cost will deter applicants given cheaper alternatives abroad.
The 13 percent undecided in the poll suggest room for the administration to sway opinion as details emerge. Trump has touted the plan as a win for American workers though evidence of job creation remains speculative at this stage. How the Gold Card fits into broader economic goals will likely shape its fate as Congress debates its implementation.
This visa idea encapsulates the administration’s blend of nationalism and capitalism raising thorny questions about who gets to call America home. For now the mixed reception signals a tough road ahead to win over a skeptical public. Whether it becomes law or fades as a flashy proposal hinges on the political will to bridge the 47-41 divide.
Coverage Details
| Total News Sources | 22 |
| Left | 7 |
| Right | 9 |
| Center | 5 |
| Unrated | 1 |
| Bias Distribution | 41% Right |
Relevancy
Last Updated