In a bold move to overhaul the U.S. immigration landscape, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is developing a new high-value immigration system dubbed the ‘Gold Card’ visa. The proposed program, endorsed by the Trump administration, would offer U.S. permanent residency to foreign nationals who invest $5 million, streamlining the process to just two weeks.
The initiative is seen as a successor to the EB-5 investor visa program, which currently grants green cards in exchange for significant economic contributions but is mired in delays and bureaucracy. The Gold Card program aims to simplify and accelerate the process through a new digital platform being built by DOGE engineers, in collaboration with the State Department, Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
A Fast-Track Path for the Ultra-Rich
According to sources, the new platform will allow eligible applicants to submit documentation and undergo vetting through a dedicated online portal. If approved, they will receive U.S. residency within 14 days—a dramatic departure from the years-long wait typical of existing programs.
Leading the development are Marko Elez and Edward Coristine, two technologists previously linked to controversial ventures but now tasked with building the infrastructure behind what could become one of the most exclusive immigration channels in the world.
Claims and Controversy
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently stated that 1,000 Gold Card visas have already been “sold”, though no public records confirm completed financial transactions yet. He assured that recipients would still undergo legal vetting and must comply with U.S. laws once admitted.
The program has drawn sharp criticism from immigration policy advocates who argue it prioritises wealth over merit or humanitarian considerations. Supporters, however, see it as a pragmatic strategy to attract foreign investment and fuel economic growth, particularly in sectors like real estate, tech, and infrastructure.
What’s Next?
As development continues, observers are watching closely to see how the DOGE team balances speed with security and transparency. The program is expected to go live later this year, pending regulatory approval.
While the Gold Card scheme may appeal to the world’s wealthy elite, it also raises broader questions about equity in immigration policy—and whether fast-tracking the rich should be the model for future reform.
