Washington DC: US ​​President Donald Trump showed the world a new sensation on Thursday while boarding Air Force One. He had the ‘Gold Card’ in his hand – a shining symbol, which opens the way to American citizenship for 5 million dollars (about 43 crores rupees). Trump presented this card publicly for the first time, which has been in the news since its announcement last month. This scheme is for wealthy immigrants, who dream of settling in America. Trump claims that this card will not only guarantee residence, but will also make the path to citizenship easier.

Gold card revealed

During the flight of Air Force One, Trump told reporters, “This Gold Card is a premium version of the Green Card. We are selling it for 5 million dollars. With this you will get all the rights of the Green Card, as well as open the way to citizenship.” He had laid out its outline while signing executive orders last month. “This is for the rich and successful. They will come to our country, pay taxes and create jobs,” Trump added. His words could be a ray of hope for immigrants who want to make the American dream come true—provided they have Rs 43 crore in their pocket.

The new avatar of EB-5

This gold card will replace the old EB-5 visa program. Under EB-5, foreign investors used to get a green card if they invested $1 million (or $800,000 in rural areas) and created 10 jobs. But Trump calls it “full of fraud”. He said, “EB-5 was cheap and useless. Now we are bringing something better.” There is no condition of job creation in the gold card, only money is required. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed this and said, “This card will be ready for sale in two weeks. This is a big benefit for America.”

The price of dreams
This price of Rs 43 crore makes it one of the most expensive visa programs in the world. Trump argues that this will bring wealthy and talented people to America. “These people will spend a lot, pay taxes and bring jobs. This is a golden deal for the country,” he claimed. But the question is, will such a huge amount be possible for every rich person? Rakesh Mehta, a businessman from Mumbai, said, “Going to America is a dream, but 43 crores is too much. This is only for billionaires.”
Controversy and analysis
This scheme has been in controversy from the beginning. Critics say that it gives priority to the rich and closes the doors for poor immigrants. Expert Dr. Priya Sharma says, “This move of Trump reflects his ‘America First’ slogan, but it is clear that it is ‘rich first’. There was a condition of at least job creation in EB-5, now even that is not there.” On the other hand, supporters consider it beneficial for the economy. A senior official said on the condition of anonymity, “If 10 lakh cards are sold, then 5 trillion dollars will come. This will help in reducing the debt.”
Gold card in global context

‘Golden visa’ is not new across the world. Portugal offers residency for 5 lakh euros, while Malta offers citizenship for 6 lakh euros. But Trump’s gold card is the most expensive of these. Experts believe that despite the price, there will be demand. James Howard, a London-based analyst, said, “America has a different charm. From Russian oligarchs to Indian industrialists, many can afford it.” Trump also indicated that Russian rich people will not be denied. “I know some Russian oligarchs, they are good people,” he said in a light tone.

The way forward

Trump’s card will be available for sale in the next few days. But questions remain – will it really change the economy, or will it just become a club for the rich? Ajay Singh, an Indian student who is studying in the US, says, “It is not for people like me. But if someone can afford it, it is a golden opportunity for them.” As the scheme starts, its impact on immigrants and US policies will become clear. Right now the world is watching this golden promise of Trump.