Lutnick Claims $5 Billion in a Day from U.S. Gold Card Sales

In a bold statement that has captured the attention of both financial and immigration circles, Howard Lutnick, Chairman and CEO of global financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald, announced that his company sold 1,000 U.S. Gold Cards in a single day—raising $5 billion in the process. The announcement, made during the 2024 Saudi Capital Markets Forum, reinforces the growing global demand for fast-track U.S. residency options for the ultra-wealthy.

The U.S. Gold Card, a proposed investor visa program associated with former President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign promises, is designed to offer wealthy foreigners the right to live and work in the United States—and eventually apply for citizenship—in exchange for a $5 million investment.

While the program has not yet been officially enacted into law, Lutnick’s comments suggest that there is already significant appetite from investors around the world. According to his statement, the 1,000 sales occurred within 24 hours, mainly to high-net-worth individuals in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

“We sold a billion dollars an hour,” Lutnick declared. “You just can’t imagine.”

Though the legal structure of the U.S. Gold Card remains uncertain, the demand paints a clear picture: the global elite are prepared to pay a premium for access to the United States.

What Is the U.S. Gold Card?

The U.S. Gold Card is being promoted as an ultra-premium alternative to traditional residency-by-investment options like the EB-5 visa. While EB-5 requires a minimum investment of $800,000 along with job creation criteria, the Gold Card aims to provide:

• A streamlined path to U.S. residency

• Eventual U.S. citizenship eligibility

• No direct job creation requirements

• An elite status alternative to the Green Card

Despite its unofficial status, the concept has gained traction among migration professionals and international investors seeking more flexible and faster U.S. entry options.

Legal and Regulatory Questions

Lutnick’s claims, while headline-worthy, have also sparked skepticism. As of March 2025, the Gold Card is not an official visa category, and no formal legal framework exists under U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Some experts speculate that Cantor Fitzgerald may have sold reservation rights or pre-subscription agreements contingent on future regulatory approval. If true, these could represent commitments rather than actual immigration benefits.

Immigration lawyers have pointed out that any official rollout would require congressional approval, and such a high-value immigration category would face rigorous scrutiny under U.S. law.

Investor Appetite Is Real

Regardless of the uncertainties, the numbers Lutnick presented reflect a real and growing demand. The global market for investor visas has expanded rapidly over the past decade, with countries like Portugal, Greece, the UAE, and Caribbean nations capitalizing on programs that offer residency or citizenship in exchange for investment.

Now, the United States—long considered a top destination—appears poised to enter the same market with a premium-tier offering. And if Lutnick’s numbers are even partially accurate, it could signal a multi-billion-dollar opportunity for the U.S. government and financial institutions alike.

How Does It Compare to Other U.S. Options?

The EB-5 visa, often called America’s traditional investment visa, has long been popular, but comes with extensive regulatory requirements and backlogs—especially for applicants from China and India.

By contrast, the proposed Gold Card appears to promise:

• Greater simplicity

• Faster processing

• No job creation requirement

• A higher upfront cost ($5 million)

This would place it in the same league as Austria’s or Switzerland’s most exclusive investor options, making the U.S. one of the most expensive yet attractive destinations for global capital.

Conclusion: A Turning Point in U.S. Immigration?

Whether or not the U.S. Gold Card becomes official policy remains to be seen. But the interest shown by investors—and the financial institutions willing to promote such a product—suggests that the market is ready.

As governments around the world tighten their immigration rules or close investment programs, the U.S. has a chance to fill a critical gap. And with potential multi-billion-dollar returns, the pressure to formalize programs like the Gold Card may soon become too great to ignore.