A Controversial $5 Million Pathway to U.S. Residency for Wealthy Immigrants

Former President Trump has announced a new pathway for wealthy immigrants to obtain legal U.S. residency, dubbed the "Trump card." This initiative requires a $5 million investment. A website has been launched where prospective applicants can join a waitlist.

In a recent social media post, Mr. Trump stated that many individuals have inquired about how to apply for this program, which he describes as a way to gain access to the United States. The program was initially unveiled in February, when it was referred to as a "gold card." This card aims to allow wealthy foreigners to bypass traditional residency application processes.

The website, Trumpcard.gov, features the phrase "The Trump Card is Coming" on its landing page. Applicants are instructed to provide their personal information to be notified when applications open. The website also displays an image of the gold card, which includes images of Mr. Trump, the Statue of Liberty, the term "5M," and Mr. Trump's signature.

The application process involves providing first and last names, indicating the type of applicant (individual, business, or other), and specifying whether the application is for oneself or on behalf of someone else. Applicants are also asked to select their region of origin and submit an email address to be added to the waitlist.

Mr. Trump has described the $5 million card as being superior to the green card, with holders required to pay taxes in the U.S. He has stated that the card could potentially lead to citizenship. The program is intended for wealthy individuals or those with significant talent, with companies potentially sponsoring individuals.

However, the legality of the program is uncertain, as new visa programs typically require congressional approval. Some legal experts question whether Mr. Trump has the authority to issue such cards. The administration could potentially use an immigration authority called "parole," but this approach has faced legal challenges.

The Trump administration intends for the Trump card to replace the EB-5 visa, which allows non-citizens to obtain residency by investing in the U.S. and creating jobs. Mr. Trump has expressed the belief that the U.S. could sell approximately 1 million of these cards, potentially raising $5 trillion.