Trump Launches $5 Million "Golden Card" Program: A New Path to U.S. Citizenship

In a surprising move, President Donald Trump has just announced a new immigration initiative called "golden card", promising to open a fast track for investors capable of paying 5 million USD to obtain a green card and aim for US citizenship. This is a strong transformation compared to the current EB-5 visa program, as Trump stated that the "golden card" program will completely replace the old system without the need for Congressional approval. Details about the "gold card" program According to information from the signing ceremony for executive orders at the Oval Office, President Trump affirmed: We will start selling gold cards. The price of this card is about 5 million USD, and it will bring similar privileges as the green card. The implementation method will require applicants to directly submit fees to the US government. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who accompanied Trump at the ceremony, also affirmed this change with an implied reference to dissatisfaction with the current EB-5 program: Instead of maintaining the cumbersome and inefficient EB-5 program, we will terminate it and replace it with Trump's golden visa program. Approval process and revenue utilization goals Although the specific details of the program have not been fully disclosed, both Trump and Lutnick emphasize that candidates will have to undergo a rigorous screening process. The goal of this process is to ensure that participants are all "outstanding global citizens, world-class international." In addition, the revenue generated from the program is expected to be used to reduce the federal budget deficit, contributing to strengthening the country's financial situation. Trump's immigration policy context The 'golden card' program is announced in the context of President Trump's increasingly tightening immigration policies. In his second term, he has committed to carrying out the largest deportation campaign in US history, while enhancing border protection in the South. In addition, Trump has also issued strong warnings to Canada and Mexico, threatening tariffs if the two countries do not take effective measures to stop the flow of fentanyl, illegal drugs, and unauthorized immigrants into the US. Analysis and Prospect Replacing the EB-5 program with the "golden visa" marks a new step in the Trump administration's immigration reform strategy. While there are still many questions surrounding the implementation and actual effectiveness of the program, it cannot be denied that this is a revolutionary move aimed at attracting foreign investment capital while strengthening the US economy in the context of significant pressure on the federal budget. The program is expected to be implemented in the next two weeks, and in the future, experts as well as investors will closely monitor the impacts that the 'gold card' brings to both the immigration system and the economy of the United States.