Trump Unveils ‘Gold Card’ Visa: A $5 Million Path to U.S. Citizenship
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Former President Donald Trump has announced a new investor visa program called the “Trump Gold Card.” This $5 million visa initiative offers permanent residency and a path to U.S. citizenship. It will replace the EB-5 visa program, which has been in place since 1990 to encourage foreign investment in the U.S.
A New Era of Investor Immigration
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump highlighted the economic benefits of the program. He emphasized that it would attract wealthy individuals who would “spend a lot of money, pay a lot of taxes, and create numerous job opportunities.”
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that the Gold Card visa would take effect in two weeks. It will replace the EB-5 visa, which required foreign investors to invest at least $1 million in job-creating enterprises. According to Lutnick, the new program aims to eliminate loopholes, reduce fraud, and simplify the process for elite investors wanting to establish residency in the U.S.
How the Trump Gold Card Works
The Gold Card visa raises the investment threshold significantly. This ensures that only wealthy investors or highly skilled individuals backed by corporate sponsors qualify. Unlike the EB-5 program, the Gold Card visa prioritizes financial contributions over job creation requirements.
“It’s similar to a green card but at a higher level of sophistication,” Trump said. “It’s a pathway to citizenship for people of wealth and talent, where companies can sponsor exceptional individuals.”
Economic Impact and Global Trends
The Trump Gold Card follows global trends in investor migration. Many countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and various European nations, have “golden visa” programs that attract affluent individuals. Henley & Partners, a global advisory firm, reports that more than 100 countries currently offer similar programs.
Trump suggested that the U.S. government could issue up to 10 million Gold Cards to raise revenue and reduce the national deficit. “It could be great—maybe even fantastic,” he remarked.
Criticism and Legal Considerations
While the initiative aims to boost the economy, it raises concerns about fairness and accessibility in immigration. Additionally, the legality of implementing the Gold Card without congressional approval is questionable since Congress typically determines citizenship qualifications.
Despite this, the proposal has already sparked significant interest among investors and policymakers. If successful, the Trump Gold Card could transform the landscape of investor immigration for years to come.
Conclusion
As the U.S. adopts a more selective approach to investor immigration, the Trump Gold Card represents a policy shift. This new visa prioritizes wealth, investment, and economic impact. Whether it will achieve its ambitious goals remains uncertain, but it has already captured global attention.
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