In a shocking statement, former U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that immigrants will soon be able to buy U.S. citizenship through a new “Gold Card” program, with a price tag of $5 million. Trump, known for his controversial stances on immigration, made the announcement during a rally in which he outlined a new initiative aimed at bolstering the U.S. economy and increasing the number of high-net-worth individuals entering the country.The proposed “Gold Card” program, which is expected to be launched soon, would allow wealthy immigrants to essentially purchase U.S. citizenship by paying a substantial fee of $5 million. This move, according to Trump, is part of his plan to attract skilled and wealthy individuals who can contribute to the country’s economic growth, job creation, and innovation. Trump emphasized that such a program would not only increase foreign investments in the U.S. but also help improve the nation’s global standing by welcoming successful individuals who can bring new ideas and capital to the country.Trump’s proposal echoes similar initiatives in other countries, such as Portugal’s “Golden Visa” and the U.K.’s Tier 1 Investor Visa, which offer citizenship or residency to foreign nationals who make significant investments in the country. While these programs have been implemented with the aim of attracting investors, they have often faced criticism for potentially allowing the rich to bypass traditional immigration processes, which many argue could undermine the integrity of the system. Critics have raised concerns about the potential for wealth to trump merit and the impact of such policies on working-class citizens.Despite the controversy, Trump defended the Gold Card program, suggesting it would create significant economic benefits for the U.S. He argued that by bringing in wealthy immigrants, the country would benefit from the influx of capital, new businesses, and job opportunities, which would ultimately help lower taxes for American citizens. Trump also pointed out that such individuals would be subject to U.S. laws and regulations, ensuring that they contribute positively to the nation’s economy.The proposal, however, has faced widespread backlash from immigration advocates and some political figures, who have expressed concerns about its potential implications. Critics argue that the program would favor the wealthy and create a system where citizenship is available to those with the financial means to pay for it, rather than those who meet the typical criteria of residence, work, and family ties. Some also warned that such a system could be seen as un-American, as it allows individuals to essentially “buy” their way into the country, bypassing the usual immigration processes that have historically been seen as a pathway to citizenship for many.As the debate continues, Trump has insisted that the Gold Card sale will go live soon, signaling a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy under his leadership. While the details of the program remain unclear, the idea has already sparked a wave of discussions on the intersection of wealth and immigration, and whether this proposal would ultimately benefit or harm the country. With the official launch on the horizon, the Gold Card initiative is expected to become one of the most debated topics in U.S. immigration policy in the coming months.
