President Donald Trump has announced a proposal to migrate to a higher interest. This is a $5 million “Gold Card” visa that gives beneficiaries a “strong path” to US citizenship to residents. The plan is also framed as a financial solution, with revenues aimed at helping to repay the growing debts of countries that have generated them.
Speaking at the White House on Tuesday, the president described the initiative as a way to attract individuals who “expend a lot of money, pay a lot of taxes, and employ a lot of people.” He also said that American companies can purchase these cards for talented foreign students who graduate from the prestigious American universities.
“We intend to provide the privilege plus of a green card,” the president said, suggesting that “gold card” holders will receive benefits beyond traditional “green card” benefits. The privileges they were added remain exactly unspecified.
Trump made it clear that he doesn't think Congressional approval is needed.
“We don't have citizenship… It's a path, and a very strong path to citizenship,” he said.
Details of the plan are still lacking. Trump has promised more details in two weeks.
Who is welcome? It “depends”
Naturally, the question arose, is this golden fast truck open to all nationalities? Trump's answer was vague: “It depends,” he added that everyone will be carefully examined.
When asked if the Russian oligarchs were eligible, Trump left the door open. Hey, I know a Russian oligarch who is a very nice person. ”
The comments are likely intended to be easy, but highlight the current lack of clear standards for who is eligible and who does not.
Lutnick: EB-5 is “silly”
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick joined Trump by pitching “gold cards.” He revealed that the new scheme will replace the existing EB-5 investor visa program. This is a system in which foreigners have allowed investments of just $800,000 in exchange for US residencies. He said,
EB-5 program… was full of nonsense, makeup, scams, scams, and how to get low-cost green cards. Therefore, the president said he would end the EB-5 program rather than have this kind of ridiculous EB-5 program. Replace with the “Gold Card” card.
In fact, EB-5 programs face serious criticism due to cases of fraud and misuse. Critics argue that the program allows wealthy individuals to acquire US residence through financial investments without providing the country with sometimes expected economic benefits.
Lutnick framed the new scheme as an upgrade, but did not talk about clear safeguards to prevent the highly abuse that accused EB-5 of enabling it.
Lutnick has ensured that the “Gold Card” owners will be “justified” to ensure that they are “a wonderful, world-class, global citizen.”
Do you want to reduce the deficit?
The “gold card” proposal was announced on the same day the Republicans passed the “big and beautiful” budget resolution. The document proudly advances Trump's “America First” agenda, but also raises national debt restrictions by $4 trillion.
Trump and Lutnick presented the “gold card” as a financial amendment. Lutnick pulled out the contrast between the existing immigration program and this new Pay-to-Play model, asking:
Why do I hand out green card lottery tickets? Why give EB-5 for Green Cards? …Why not eliminate the US deficit instead?
Trump goes further than that, suggesting that if the US sells more than one million of these cards, the country can generate at least $5 trillion in revenue. It is an ambitious claim and relies on high demand assumptions. It also assumes that the government will use revenues to reduce the deficit rather than absorbing them elsewhere.
I'll increase the deficit anyway
The idea of making a profit is logical in principle, but it raises a fundamental contradiction. If reducing the deficit is a real priority, why did the GOP approve a budget that adds trillions to its citizen debt?
What's even more prominent is that, while immigration is set to become a revenue tool, House Republicans are pushing for a $100 billion increase in military spending. This is more than just a daily thing. It continues a long pattern of costly and undoubtedly failing foreign policy and militarism.
If fiscal liability is the goal, then perhaps we should focus on reevaluating the relentless cycle of rising defense budgets and unconfirmed spending priorities rather than auctioning off US residences. After all, the financial stability of a country depends not only on how much money it brings, but also on what is wise to choose to spend it.
Legal concerns
Trump has argued that the initiative does not require Congress. However, the claim is constitutionally doubtful at best.
The US Constitution explicitly advises Congress, not the president, of its powers regarding immigration and naturalization laws. Article 1, Section 8, and Article 4 state that Parliament has the power to “establish a unified rule of naturalization.” This means that only Congress, not administrative agencies, can create, modify or eliminate routes to US residence and citizenship.
Congress created the EB-5 Investor Visa in 1990. This reinforces the principle that only lawmakers can establish or modify such programs.
In addition to the contradiction, Trump claims that “we do not have citizenship,” but he also describes the gold card as “a very strong path to citizenship.” This has a direct impact on immigration policy. The court has repeatedly ruled over the overdue of immigration administration, particularly in Arizona v. United States (2012), confirming that such changes require Congressional approval.
“Global Citizens” and the Risk of Abuse
Rutnik's claim that the applicant is a “world-class global citizen” raises serious concern. Who decides who will make people “world-class” or “global citizens”? More importantly, where is their loyalty? This phrase suggests that these individuals may lack commitment to the US. Instead, they represent an elite international class whose profits are transnational. If so, what does America really get by granting them residence and by giving them ultimate citizenship?
Scams, laundry, security risks
The “Gold Card” visa is now open to abuse in the ambiguous form. Similar programs have enabled money laundering, fraud and security threats. Without protection, it could be a backdoor for criminals and foreign enemies. Therefore, strong review and monitoring are important.
Wealth for contribution
If job creation is not a requirement, wealthy investors can simply park their money in the property. It inflates home prices while not making any meaningful contributions to the economy.
U.S. citizenship downgrade
Lutnick's emphasis on “world-class global citizens” makes one thing clear. The proposal is not about American values or national identity, but to sell access to a strong passport. By reducing US residencies to financial transactions, “gold cards” make the very concept of citizenship cheaper. This scheme will turn it into a luxurious asset, not a privilege gained through dedication and loyalty to national principles.
Citizenship: Commitment, not a product
Citizenship is not a luxury. It is a commitment to the nation, its people, and its values. If America is rooted in ideals and not just in the market, we must reject the idea that residency and citizenship are merely commodities. Instead, they must be acquired rather than being bought and sold like exclusive memberships. Otherwise, the United States risks becoming an expensive club, not a nation. Wealth, not loyalty, determines who belongs.
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