Donald Trump is pitching the ultimate American dream—but not to everyday citizens. Instead, he wants to sell “gold cards” to the world’s wealthiest, offering a pathway to U.S. citizenship for $5 million.
But here’s the twist: while Trump is opening doors to rich immigrants, thousands of wealthy Americans are walking away. In 2024, more than 6,100 Americans gave up their stars and stripes for British citizenship—a staggering 26% surge. And in the last quarter alone, that number jumped by 40%.
What’s behind this exodus? Experts point to two major reasons: Trump’s potential return to power and the UK’s shifting tax policies. For some, it’s no longer about chasing the American dream—it’s about securing the best financial deal.
Meanwhile, Trump’s controversial "gold card" plan is set to replace the existing EB-5 investor program. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick claims it will bring in vetted, high-net-worth individuals and help reduce the U.S. budget deficit. Trump envisions companies using these gold cards to bring in top-tier talent, aiming to sell a million of them.
But critics argue the program blurs the line between immigration policy and a pay-to-play system. While the "gold card" may offer green card privileges and a pathway to citizenship, Trump insists it’s not about selling access to U.S. nationality.
As Trump reshapes immigration with a price tag and wealthy Americans seek new passports, one question remains: Is the American dream still worth the buy-in?
