Former U.S. President Donald Trump has floated the idea of creating an American “Gold Card” program, a pathway that would grant long-term residency and automatic citizenship rights to foreigners who invest heavily in the United States. While the details remain unclear, the concept resembles existing “Golden Visa” or investor-citizenship models used by several countries.
A policy like this would signal a major shift in how the U.S. approaches immigration and investment. It could also influence global mobility trends, including how high-net-worth travelers and investors view Bali.
Below is a closer look at the potential pros, concerns, and what Bali needs to prepare for if this proposal moves forward.
What the Proposed U.S. Gold Card Suggests
The idea, as reported by CNN and other U.S. outlets, suggests that the program would:
- Offer a fast track to U.S. citizenship
- Be available to individuals who invest large amounts of capital
- Operate similarly to global Golden Visa programs
- Prioritize “high-value” applicants with economic contributions
Although no investment threshold has been announced, U.S. immigration experts believe the figure would likely reach tens of millions of dollars, considering the political environment and Trump’s rhetoric on “premium citizenship.”
This is not equivalent to a country “selling citizenship” outright, but it does create a premium pathway tied to wealth — something many countries already do.
How It Compares to Golden Visa Programs Worldwide
Over 100 countries offer investor residency or citizenship programs. Some examples:
- Portugal: residency rights starting around USD 250k–500k
- United Arab Emirates: 10-year Golden Visa for certain investments
- Indonesia: Second Home Visa requiring proof of assets
The U.S. previously offered the EB-5 program, which granted a green card through a USD 800k+ investment. But Trump’s proposed Gold Card concept suggests a far more exclusive, high-value tier.
Rather than costing “84 billion,” the discussion online refers to total potential revenue if large numbers of wealthy applicants joined. It’s not a price tag for one citizenship.
Why This Matters for Indonesia and Bali
Even though the policy would be an American program, the ripple effects could reach global travel, investment patterns, and long-term stay preferences in places like Bali.
1. Increased Mobility for High-Net-Worth Residents
If wealthy individuals gain faster access to U.S. residency, they may feel more secure living part-time elsewhere — including Bali — knowing they can enter and exit the U.S. freely.
2. Competition With Indonesia’s “Visa Seumur Hidup” Concept
Indonesia has discussed long-term stay visas for retirees and investors. A strong U.S. program may push Indonesia to:
- Reassess its long-term visa pricing
- Improve investor protections
- Strengthen immigration efficiency
The goal would be to remain competitive for global residents who divide their time across multiple countries.
3. Bali’s Position as a Preferred Lifestyle Hub
Many wealthy travelers already choose Bali as a second home.
A U.S. Gold Card could reinforce this pattern because:
- It removes uncertainty around U.S. residency for foreigners
- It allows them to base themselves in Bali while holding a stable status abroad
- It encourages global movement among digital entrepreneurs, wellness investors, and hospitality leaders
4. Potential Strain on Local Infrastructure
More long-stay foreign residents could bring challenges including:
- Rising property prices
- Pressure on local housing availability
- Increasing demand for private health, transport, and education services
- Risks of overdevelopment in sensitive areas
Bali already faces these issues, so any global shift that increases the foreign resident population will amplify them.
Potential Benefits for Bali
If handled well, Bali could experience meaningful advantages:
1. Higher demand for premium villas and hospitality investments
Global residents with newfound U.S. mobility may expand their lifestyle portfolios, investing in:
- Sustainable villas
- Wellness resorts
- Boutique hotels
- Hospitality-tech ventures
2. Growth in the health, education, and creative sectors
More long-term foreign families could boost:
- International schools
- Wellness and medical services
- Creative and tech ecosystems
3. Increased tax revenue through indirect spending
Even without property ownership, long-stay visitors generate higher per-capita spending than short-term tourists.
Risks Bali Should Address Early
1. Housing Inflation
Local families could be priced out of central areas unless regulations control:
- Foreign leasing structures
- Permits for villa construction
- Zoning protection for residential villages
2. Environmental Pressure
More long-term residents mean:
- Higher water consumption
- Increased waste generation
- More land conversion
Bali must clarify carrying capacity limits.
3. Social and Cultural Balance
Local communities need protection from:
- Overcommercialization
- Cultural erosion
- Informal foreign work without permits
Local engagement policies will be essential.
What Bali Should Do If the U.S. Gold Card Becomes Reality
1. Create a clear, fair long-stay policy
A transparent long-term visa with realistic requirements will help Bali attract the right residents.
2. Strengthen zoning enforcement
Avoid overbuilt zones like Canggu spreading unchecked.
3. Prioritize sustainability-linked investments
Encourage investors to focus on:
- Clean water
- Solar energy
- Organic farming
- Waste management
- Eco-friendly infrastructure
4. Support community involvement
Long-stay programs should fund cultural preservation, education, and village development.
Bottom Line
Trump’s proposed U.S. Gold Card would shift global mobility norms by offering easier access to American residency through investment. If implemented, the ripple effects could influence where wealthy global residents choose to live, travel, and invest — including Bali.
Handled with foresight, this could open new opportunities for sustainable investment.
Handled poorly, it could add pressure to an island already balancing tourism, growth, and cultural integrity.
Bali now has an early chance to prepare.