The administration of the President of the United States has announced plans to introduce a new immigration program aimed at attracting wealthy foreign investors. The initiative, known as the “golden card,” will grant affluent individuals the right to live and work in the US while also paving the way for citizenship.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, President Donald Trump confirmed that the “golden card” will be available for purchase at an estimated cost of $5 million. The program is expected to launch within two weeks.
Trump highlighted the economic benefits of the initiative, emphasizing that wealthy cardholders would contribute significantly to the US economy through investments and taxation. “Rich and successful people who own these cards will spend a lot of money in the United States and pay a lot of taxes,” he stated.
When asked whether Russian oligarchs would be eligible to obtain the “golden card,” President Trump responded affirmatively. “It is possible,” he said, adding that he knows several Russian oligarchs whom he considers “wonderful people.”
US Secretary of Commerce Howard Latnick further elaborated on the program, stating that the “golden card” would replace the EB-5 visa, a long-standing initiative designed to attract foreign investment. Under the EB-5 program, which was enacted by Congress in 1990, foreign investors were required to invest at least $1 million and create at least ten jobs to qualify for residency. The new program is expected to streamline and enhance this process while maintaining rigorous background checks for applicants.
Latnick clarified that the “golden card” would function similarly to the existing green card, granting holders the right to reside and work in the US However, the key distinction lies in the financial threshold and the program’s focus on high-net-worth individuals.
The announcement has sparked discussions among policymakers and immigration experts, with some praising the initiative for its potential economic boost, while others have raised concerns about the ethical implications of selling residency and potential security risks.
