Looking For US Citizenship? Here's An Offer From Donald Trump

Days after announcing strict rules to get US citizenship, President Donald Trump has announced to introduce a "gold plan" for wealthy immigrants. The US government would offer green-card residency and a pathway to US citizenship for $5 million each. Trump predicts that one million of these cards will be sold, potentially helping to reduce the national debt.

The new initiative aims to replace the existing EB-5 immigrant investor visa program. This program grants green cards to foreigners who invest substantial amounts in US businesses, creating or preserving jobs. Trump believes the current system is flawed and intends to replace it with the gold card scheme.

US Citizenship Gold Card Details

Trump explained that the gold card would provide green card privileges and a route to citizenship for wealthy individuals willing to purchase it. He stated, "We are going to be selling a gold card...We are going to be putting a price on that card of about $5 million." This move is expected to attract affluent individuals from around the world.

When asked about potential eligibility for Russians, Trump mentioned that Russian oligarchs might qualify. "Yeah, possibly. Hey. I know some Russian oligarchs that are very nice people," he remarked, indicating openness to various nationalities participating in the scheme.

Criticism of EB-5 Program
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program was established by Congress in 1990. It aimed to boost the US economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors. However, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick criticized it as being filled with "nonsense, make-believe and fraud." He emphasized Trump's decision to end this program in favor of the gold card initiative.

Lutnick further elaborated on the president's stance: "The EB-5 program ... it was full of nonsense, make-believe and fraud, and it was a way to get a green card that was low price." The administration believes that replacing it with the gold card will bring more transparency and value.