Donald Trump / US citizenship is up for sale! Has the path become easier for those with the donkey route?

Donald Trump: US President Donald Trump is once again in the headlines. This time the reason is his new plan, which has been named "Gold Card". This plan claims to make American citizenship easier, but there is a condition in it - this facility will be available only to those who are willing to spend a huge amount. The Trump administration says that those who invest 5 million dollars (about Rs 44 crore) will be given American citizenship directly. This gold card is set to be launched in two weeks, and it will emerge as an alternative to the existing EB-5 visa program.

What is a gold card and why is it special?

Getting a green card for permanent citizenship in America is no less than a long battle. It takes many years and the process is extremely complicated. But the gold card promises to make this process easier. This plan is inspired by the EB-5 visa program, which started in 1990. Under EB-5, foreign investors become eligible to get citizenship by investing money in America and creating employment. However, the Gold Card makes it simpler by offering citizenship directly in exchange for an amount of $5 million. Trump claims that this will generate huge revenue for the country and help reduce the national debt (which was $36.22 trillion as of February 24, 2025).

The President aims to sell 1 million Gold Cards by attracting the wealthy from around the world. This will not only strengthen the American economy, but will also promote investment in the country. But the question is, will this scheme really be beneficial for the common people, or will it remain a golden opportunity only for the rich?

New path amid strictness on illegal immigration

Trump took a tough stand against illegal immigrants as soon as he took oath as President on January 20, 2025. 15% of the US population consists of immigrants, with people coming from India, Mexico and China at the forefront. It is estimated that 3% of the country's population consists of illegal immigrants. Meanwhile, the announcement of the Gold Card has come at a time when the campaign to expel those who enter America illegally is in full swing.

Every year, lakhs of people from India also try to reach America through the "donkey route" i.e. illegal means. According to reports, 7 to 8 lakh Indians are living illegally in America. Most of these people spend Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore through agents. But the Gold Card will not bring any relief to them, because investing Rs 44 crore is beyond their reach.

Game changer for the rich, a dream for the poor

The Gold Card scheme can be a big opportunity for the wealthy class of India. For those who were already thinking of investing in America through EB-5 visa, this will be a fast and easy way for them. There is also talk of ending the EB-5 program after the implementation of this scheme. But for ordinary Indians, who dream of reaching America by working hard and taking risks, this scheme will remain a distant dream.

Existing employment-based visa options in the US

The US already offers several types of employment-based visas, including:

• EB-1: For people with extraordinary talent, such as scientists, artists, or sportsmen.
• EB-2: For professionals with higher education or special skills.
• EB-3: For skilled workers and general workers.
• EB-4: For special groups such as religious workers or former government employees.

There are plans to offer about 19,000 visas under EB-5 in 2025, but with the advent of the Gold Card, this program may lose its relevance.

Conclusion: A new beginning or a seed of controversy?

Trump's Gold Card plan is an attempt to turn American citizenship into a "luxury product". It may be a means of attracting the wealthy from around the world, but its social and political implications are also no less. While on the one hand it can strengthen the American economy, on the other hand it can further deepen the gap between the rich and the poor. Will this plan be effective in curbing illegal immigration, or will it prove to be just another controversial move? The coming days will surely answer this.