President Donald Trump has announced a plan for the United States to offer what he called a “gold card” to affluent foreigners. This card would allow them to live and work in the country, providing a pathway to citizenship for a fee of $5 million. Trump shared this information during a media event in the Oval Office on Tuesday, stating that sales of the gold cards would commence in approximately two weeks, indicating that millions might be issued. He affirmed that this proposal is legally permissible. When questioned about the possibility of selling these cards to Russian oligarchs, Trump indicated that it was a possibility. “I am acquainted with a few Russian oligarchs who are really kind individuals.” In the meantime, Howard Lutnick, the Secretary of Commerce, announced that the card will take the place of the government’s EB-5 immigrant investor visa program. “They will need to undergo a vetting process, naturally, to ensure they are exemplary global citizens,” Lutnick stated.
