Former U.S. President Donald Trump has officially announced the launch of a new immigration initiative, known as the “Trump Card,” which offers wealthy individuals the opportunity to gain permanent residency in the United States in exchange for a $5 million investment. The announcement was made on a Wednesday as Trump unveiled a new website—TrumpCard.gov—for interested applicants to submit their details and register their interest.

The Trump Card promises to provide permanent U.S. residency, along with work authorization and a path to eventual citizenship. On the website, visitors are asked to submit basic personal information such as their name, geographic region, and email address. They must also indicate whether they are applying as individuals or businesses. This information will allow them to be notified once the application process officially opens.

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said, “Thousands have been calling and asking how they can sign up to ride a beautiful road in gaining access to the Greatest Country and Market anywhere in the World.” He added, “It’s called THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. THE WAITING LIST IS NOW OPEN.”

Trump first introduced the idea of the Trump Card in February, describing it as a “gold card” for wealthy applicants who would be granted U.S. residency. According to Trump, these applicants are expected to significantly contribute to the U.S. economy through spending, taxation, and job creation. “They’ll be wealthy, and they’ll be successful, and they’ll be spending a lot of money, and paying a lot of taxes and employing a lot of people,” he said.

In April, Trump showcased a sample of the card during a media interaction aboard Air Force One. The sample was gold-colored and featured his image, further reinforcing its branding as a premium immigration offering.

Officials from the Trump camp have indicated that the Trump Card could effectively replace the existing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program, which currently offers permanent residency to foreign nationals who invest a minimum of $1.05 million in the U.S., or $800,000 in designated economically distressed areas. The EB-5 program has historically been used to attract foreign capital and create jobs in the United States, particularly in real estate and infrastructure projects.

While the $5 million price tag of the Trump Card far exceeds EB-5 investment thresholds, exact eligibility criteria remain unclear. However, Trump administration officials have indicated that there will be a screening or vetting process to ensure applicants meet certain standards.

Under current U.S. immigration laws, individuals with lawful permanent residency may apply for naturalization after five years, assuming they meet several criteria. These include possessing a basic knowledge of the English language, being of “good moral character,” and demonstrating an attachment to the principles and ideals outlined in the U.S. Constitution.

The Trump Card initiative represents a dramatic shift in U.S. immigration policy, placing a premium on wealth and investment as the primary pathway to residency and citizenship. It has sparked debate about the ethics and fairness of such a system, particularly in a country that has historically welcomed immigrants from a diverse range of socio-economic backgrounds.