Trump Unveils $5 Million Gold Card Visa for Citizenship

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

US President Donald Trump introduced a $5 million “Gold Card” visa for wealthy migrants.
He showcased the card, featuring his image, aboard Air Force One, calling it exclusive.
This new Gold Card aims to replace the existing EB-5 visa immigrant investor program.
Trump claimed to be the first buyer, announcing a potential rollout within two weeks.
Conflictingly, Commerce Secretary Lutnick claimed last month over 1,000 Gold Cards were already sold.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

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Trump Introduces $5 Million ‘Gold Card’ Visa

US President Donald Trump has unveiled a new visa initiative aimed at attracting wealthy migrants seeking a pathway to US citizenship. Termed the “Gold Card,” this program comes with a hefty price tag of $5 million. On Thursday, during a press briefing aboard Air Force One, Trump offered the first glimpse of this proposed visa. The card design prominently features Trump’s own image.

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A Symbol of Exclusivity: The Trump Card

Showcasing the design, Trump described the Gold Card as a symbol of exclusivity and opportunity. “For $5 million, this could be yours,” he stated. He elaborated, “That was the first of the cards. You know what that card is?” Answering his own question, he declared, “It’s the gold card — the Trump card.” Trump claimed he was the first buyer of the card. However, he admitted uncertainty about the second buyer. He further explained that the card “will be out in less than two weeks, probably.”

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Replacing the EB-5 Visa Program

The proposed Gold Card is intended to replace the existing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program. The current EB-5 system allows foreign investors to obtain Green Cards. This requires a minimum investment of $800,000 in projects located in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs). Alternatively, an investment of $1.8 million elsewhere is necessary. A crucial condition is the creation of at least ten US jobs. Donald Trump dismissed the current EB-5 system. He labeled it as inefficient and outdated.

Contradictory Claims from Commerce Secretary

However, conflicting information surrounds the Gold Card’s status and rollout. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick made a different claim last month. According to a New York Post report, Lutnick stated that more than 1,000 Gold Cards had already been sold. Lutnick also suggested that over 37 million people globally possess the means to purchase one. This claim starkly contrasts with Trump’s assertion of being the first buyer. It also contradicts the announced potential rollout within just two weeks.

EB-5 Visa Historical Context

Data on the existing investor visa program offers some perspective. According to figures from the Invest In the USA (IIUSA) trade association, which represents program participants, 135,518 EB-5 visas have been issued over the past two and a half decades. This data highlights the scale of the program the Gold Card intends to supersede. The EB-5 program has long served as an investment-based route for wealthy migrants seeking a path towards US citizenship.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

Donald Trump unveiled a $5 million “Gold Card” visa proposal for wealthy migrants.
This card aims to replace the current EB-5 visa program, which Trump considers outdated.
Trump displayed the Gold Card on Air Force One, claiming to be its first buyer.
He suggested a rollout within two weeks, offering a potential pathway to citizenship.
A conflicting report claims over 1,000 Gold Cards were sold last month by the Commerce Secretary.