Trump Proposes $5 Million ‘Gold Card’ as a New Pathway to US Citizenship

Washington, D.C. – In a bold move that could reshape America’s immigration policies, U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed a new citizenship route that would replace the existing EB-5 immigrant investor visa program. The proposed initiative, dubbed the "Trump Gold Card," would allow foreign investors to purchase a special residency card for $5 million, offering them green card privileges and an eventual path to U.S. citizenship.

Trump's announcement came during a press briefing at the White House, where he detailed his vision for wealthy investors contributing to the American economy in exchange for an expedited citizenship process.

A New Approach to Immigration Investment

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, established in 1990, was designed to encourage foreign investment in the U.S. economy by granting green cards to individuals who commit significant capital to job-creating businesses. However, the program has faced increasing scrutiny over allegations of fraud, misuse, and lack of transparency.

Trump made it clear that he believes the EB-5 program has outlived its usefulness and should be replaced with a more direct, high-value alternative.

"We are going to be selling a gold card," Trump told reporters. "This card will be priced at about $5 million, offering green card privileges and a route to American citizenship."

"We want the world's wealthiest and most talented individuals to invest in America and bring prosperity with them," he added, emphasizing that the gold card would be a more exclusive, transparent, and beneficial alternative to the EB-5 program.

A Controversial Proposal – Open to Russian Oligarchs?

During the press conference, a journalist asked Trump whether Russian oligarchs would be eligible for the gold card program. His response raised eyebrows:

"Yeah, possibly. Hey, I know some Russian oligarchs that are very nice people," Trump remarked.

This statement is expected to fuel debates over national security risks, particularly concerning foreign influence and money laundering concerns associated with allowing high-net-worth individuals from politically sensitive regions to secure U.S. residency through financial means.

Commerce Secretary Calls EB-5 Program "Ridiculous"

Supporting Trump’s stance, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick criticized the existing EB-5 visa program, calling it flawed and filled with loopholes.

"The EB-5 program was full of nonsense, make-believe, and fraud," Lutnick stated. "It was a way to get a green card at a low price, and we are putting an end to that. The Trump Gold Card will be a much better alternative."

What Comes Next?

Trump announced that specific details about the program would be unveiled within the next two weeks. If implemented, the gold card program could become one of the most significant changes to U.S. immigration policy in decades, sparking a fierce debate among lawmakers, economists, and immigration advocates.

Critics argue that selling residency and citizenship to the wealthy elite creates inequality in the immigration system, prioritizing financial status over merit and humanitarian considerations. Others believe the policy could inject billions into the American economy, helping fund infrastructure projects, business expansion, and job creation.

For now, the gold card proposal remains in its early stages, with political, legal, and economic discussions expected to shape its final framework. Whether it will replace the EB-5 program entirely or serve as an additional option for high-net-worth individuals remains to be seen.

Public Reaction and Political Ramifications

The proposal has sparked mixed reactions from policy analysts, immigration experts, and the business community. Some argue that America should attract top global investors, while others fear selling citizenship could diminish the value of naturalization.

With elections on the horizon, Trump’s gold card proposal is expected to become a major talking point in upcoming political debates, shaping the future of U.S. immigration policies for years to come.

Written by: Ali Abdullah (Punjab University)