Golden ‘Trump Card’

GS2 – International Relations

Context:

The Golden ‘Trump Card’ is a new immigration initiative proposed by  U.S. President Donald Trump, designed to offer residency and citizenship to affluent foreign nationals in exchange for a $5 million payment, effectively replacing the EB-5 visa program.

Key Features of the Trump Gold Card:

• Residency for Investment: Offers U.S. residency and eventual citizenship to applicants making a direct monetary contribution, with no requirement for business creation or job generation.
• Comparison with EB-5:
  • The EB-5 visa mandates a minimum investment and the creation of 10 American jobs.
  • The Trump Card, in contrast, provides a passive immigration route without such obligations.

Objectives & Benefits:

• Designed to attract ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
• Intended to stimulate the luxury goods and real estate markets in the U.S.

Potential Impact on Indians:

• Over 1 million Indian nationals are currently waiting for U.S. green cards.
• The Trump Card could further delay processing for others, as wealth-based fast-tracking may take precedence.