In a bold new immigration proposal, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans on Tuesday to introduce a $5 million ‘Gold Card’ visa, a highly priced alternative to the traditional green card, aimed at attracting wealthy investors and job creators.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump stated that the initiative is designed to boost the U.S. economy by bringing in affluent individuals who can generate employment opportunities, establish businesses, and contribute to economic growth.
A Pathway to U.S. Citizenship for the Super-Rich
Under this new plan, applicants who purchase the Gold Card visa will not only gain permanent residency in the United States, but they will also have a clear route to citizenship.
“We’re going to be selling a gold card. You have a green card; this is a gold card,” Trump explained. “We’re putting a price on that card of about $5 million.”
He justified the initiative as a means to attract high-net-worth individuals while also helping to reduce the U.S. national deficit.
“A lot of people want to be in this country, and they’ll be able to work, provide jobs, and build companies,” Trump added. “It’ll be people with money.”
According to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who stood beside Trump during the announcement, funds generated from the sales of these Gold Cards will be used to help lower the national deficit, which has been a major concern for the administration.
Sales to Begin in Two Weeks
Trump revealed that sales of the new visas would begin within two weeks, with the administration expecting to sell up to one million cards.
“We have it all worked out from a legal standpoint,” he assured reporters.
The former real estate mogul, known for branding luxury properties worldwide, even floated the idea of naming the visa after himself.
“Somebody said, ‘Can we call it the Trump Gold Card?’ I said, ‘If it helps, use the name Trump.’”
Russian Oligarchs May Be Eligible
One of the more controversial aspects of Trump’s proposal is the potential inclusion of wealthy Russian applicants, including Russian oligarchs, who have been heavily sanctioned by Western nations since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
When asked if Russians would be allowed to purchase the Gold Card, Trump responded:
“Possibly. I know some Russian oligarchs that are very nice people. It’s possible. They’re not as wealthy as they used to be, but I think they can afford $5 million.”
His comments raised eyebrows, particularly as he has recently reopened negotiations with Russia to bring an end to the war in Ukraine.
European leaders have expressed concern over Trump’s approach, fearing he may be willing to compromise Ukrainian interests in favor of restoring relations with Moscow.
Despite this, Trump maintained that lifting sanctions on Russia was not currently on the table, though he suggested it could be considered “at some point.”
The Upside: Economic Benefits and Wealth Attraction
Supporters of the Gold Card visa plan argue that it could provide a significant economic boost to the U.S. in several ways:
- Massive Revenue Generation: If one million Gold Cards are sold at $5 million each, the U.S. government could raise up to $5 trillion, helping to reduce the national deficit.
- Job Creation: By attracting wealthy business owners, the plan could stimulate economic growth and generate jobs.
- Investment in U.S. Infrastructure: High-net-worth individuals who buy the visa might also invest in real estate, technology, and manufacturing, further strengthening the economy.
- Global Competitive Edge: Many countries, including Canada, the UK, and Australia, have similar programs for wealthy immigrants. The U.S. could compete by offering its own version with a premium price tag.
The Downside: Ethical Concerns and Inequality
However, critics argue that the Gold Card visa raises ethical and policy concerns, including:
- Favoring the Wealthy Over Skilled Workers and Refugees: The program could sideline middle-class immigrants, skilled workers, and asylum seekers, making U.S. residency an exclusive privilege for the ultra-rich.
- Risk of Money Laundering and Corruption: There are concerns that shady business figures and foreign elites, including sanctioned individuals, could use the visa to legitimize their wealth in the U.S.
- Security Concerns: With money being the primary qualification, some argue that the plan could open the door to foreign influence and potential security risks.
- Further Division in Immigration Policy: While undocumented immigrants face harsh deportation policies, the ultra-wealthy would have a fast-track to U.S. citizenship, creating an unfair two-tier system.
- Strain on Public Opinion: Many Americans, especially those struggling financially, might see the policy as favoring the elite while ignoring the needs of average citizens.
A Political and Economic Gamble
Trump’s Gold Card visa plan represents a radical shift in U.S. immigration policy, prioritizing wealth over traditional qualifications like skills, family ties, or humanitarian need.
While it has the potential to bring in trillions of dollars and boost the economy, it also raises serious questions about fairness, ethics, and security.
With sales set to begin soon, Trump’s Gold Card visa plan is expected to spark intense political debate—both within the United States and on the global stage.
