Donald Trump’s gold immigration cards are becoming a reality.
On Thursday, April 3, the president posed with the first “Trump Card” — a $5 million green card alternative that would allow wealthy immigrants to be admitted to the United States — while speaking to reporters on Air Force One. He projected that such cards, decorated with his own image, will be available in “less than two weeks, probably.”
“Five million. For five million dollars, this could be yours,” Trump said, holding the card up for all to see.
“You know what that card is?” he continued, waiting for reporters to offer their guesses. “It’s the gold card. The Trump card, gold card.”
The card bears a marked resemblance to the designs of U.S. dollar bills, including “United States of America” written in the same font, as well as “5M” and “5,000,000” in the left and right lower corners, respectively.
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The card’s main feature is Trump’s face — staring downwards at the camera, unsmiling — and is flanked by the Statue of Liberty, a circle of stars and Trump’s signature.
When asked who the first buyer would be, Trump said, “Me. I’m the first.”
MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty
Trump first announced the gold card on Feb. 25, noting that they’re catered towards “high-level” foreigners seeking to enter the United States. Like a green card, Trump’s gold card allows the holder to work and live in the U.S., and offers a route to permanent citizenship.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who joined Trump for the announcement, said potential buyers would be vetted “to make sure they’re wonderful world-class global citizens.”
The gold card framework will replace the U.S. government’s current EB-5 program, which offers green cards to immigrants who make significant contributions to U.S. projects and jobs.
EB-5 either requires an individual to create or preserve 10 permanent jobs for U.S. workers, as well as a minimum investment of $800,000.