Trump Proposes $5 Million 'Gold Card' for Wealthy Immigrants
A New Pathway to Citizenship for the Wealthy
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a new immigration plan that introduces a "Gold Card"—a high-priced alternative to the traditional Green Card. This proposal aims to attract wealthy individuals to the United States by offering a direct route to permanent residency and eventual citizenship for a price tag of $5 million per applicant.
The Concept Behind the Gold Card
According to Trump, the Gold Card will provide all the privileges of a Green Card but will come at a significant cost. The goal is to bring in affluent individuals who will contribute to the economy by spending money, creating jobs, and paying taxes. Trump emphasized that this initiative is expected to generate billions, if not trillions, in revenue for the U.S. government.
Economic Benefits and Job Creation
Trump highlighted that the program would attract successful businesspeople and investors who would boost the American economy. Unlike the existing EB-5 visa program, which allows foreign investors to obtain a Green Card through specific job-creating investments, the Gold Card would be a direct purchase of U.S. residency. The revenue generated from the program, according to Trump, could be used to reduce the national deficit.
Legal and Political Considerations
Trump and his team claim that the initiative is legally sound and different from any previous immigration program. The plan also eliminates the existing EB-5 program, which Trump criticized as being inefficient and prone to fraud. He argued that instead of giving away residency through lotteries or lower-priced investment programs, the U.S. should monetize immigration in a way that benefits the country.
Russian Oligarchs and Global Interest
When asked if Russian oligarchs would be eligible for the Gold Card, Trump responded affirmatively, stating that many wealthy Russians are still financially capable of purchasing it. He believes that many global elites will see this as a valuable opportunity to legally reside in the United States while contributing to its economy.
Future Implementation
The sale of Gold Cards is expected to begin within two weeks. Trump and his advisors anticipate strong demand, estimating that millions of applicants could generate trillions of dollars in revenue. The plan has sparked both praise and criticism, with supporters highlighting its potential economic benefits and opponents raising concerns about prioritizing wealth over merit in immigration policy.
As the proposal unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will be received by lawmakers, businesses, and the public.
0 Comments