Trump unveils $5 million 'golden card' for wealthy investors
Donald Trump announced that the USA will sell what are known as golden residency cards for $5 million. He mentioned that Russian oligarchs may be potential buyers. Experts suggest that this is another rhetorical move by Trump aimed at changing the U.S. immigration system.
Donald Trump and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick announced the introduction of the so-called golden cards, which will allow foreigners to settle permanently in the United States. The cost of such a card is $5 million. The President emphasized that the program aims to attract investors who will contribute to the country's economic development.
Trump and "golden cards" for Russian oligarchs: "They can afford it"
Trump did not dismiss the possibility that Russian oligarchs might take advantage of the offer. He remarked, "Yes, it's possible. I know some Russian oligarchs, and they are very nice people. They aren't as wealthy as they used to be, but I think they can afford $5 million. Many people will want to come to this country," Trump summarized in his signature style.
"We will end the EB-5 program (a visa program that allows investors to obtain green cards for themselves and their family members)," announced Howard Lutnick. "We will replace it with Trump's 'golden card,' essentially a green card."
Trump shocks again; experts reassure
We consulted experts about the president's surprising comments regarding Russian oligarchs. Dr. Michał Kuź, from the Jagiellonian Club, believes this is another of Trump's rhetorical exchanges aimed at the President of Ukraine.
This is typical of Trump's rhetorical provocations. "Golden cards" will replace green cards, and they are intended for more than just Russian oligarchs. In the final negotiations about Ukrainian minerals, he made a sarcastic comment about Zelensky, explains Dr. Michał Kuź.
He notes that this type of visa, which allows foreigners to obtain American citizenship under certain conditions, already exists for investors entering the U.S. market. Can Trump introduce "golden cards" without Congress? "This can be challenged in court, but theoretically, he can do it," the expert assesses.
Publicist Rafał Michalski, an expert on the U.S. political system, explains that Trump views Russia and Ukraine on different levels. He sees Russia as a country with global influence but also within the Chinese orbit, and China is America's main competitor. "
When asked about the "golden cards" proposal for Russians, Michalski emphasized that the US is dealing with a migration crisis, which Trump links to creating business-friendly conditions in America. There are thousands of backlogged cases in the courts. Previously, we had investor visas—a businessperson who invested $1,050,000 and created a minimum of ten jobs in the US received positive opinions from agencies like the SEC (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission) and could obtain a green card," Michalski explains.
Donald Trump wants to signal that the USA is a country that invites all investors. There's a broad deregulation program in Texas, Ohio, and Florida. We see announcements of tariffs to encourage investors to set up businesses in the States. This policy of protecting American capital goes far. I don't recall such announcements from previous presidents, not even during Trump's first term, comments the expert on American politics.
dubisz: separate Trump's words from real actions
"I separate what is said by the President of the United States, which resonates in the media, from real actions. American aid is still ongoing. We have confirmation of the mineral agreement. The first documents in this matter are in the form of a memorandum," emphasizes Oleg Dubisz, chairman of the Polish-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce.
Dubisz points out that the American-Ukrainian agreement still "lacks specifics regarding security guarantees," which Ukraine is waiting for. "President Zelensky is expected to visit the USA to discuss this. By then, it should be clarified," assesses Dubisz.
"Golden cards" bypassing Congress?
According to Rafał Michalski, it is unclear whether Trump will introduce "golden cards" without consulting Congress. At a systemic level, Trump cannot suspend the visa system. The definition of a citizen does not include those who pay $5 million for a golden card. Michalski comments that this will be an attempt to amend the current immigration program, changing its name.
He specifies that a 1990 US law regarding immigration programs cannot be abolished. "The US Supreme Court has always maintained that the executive branch does not have the unilateral right to allocate funds independently. Congressional approval is necessary," the expert reminds us.
Trump's new initiative aims to help reduce the budget deficit. Similar programs exist in other countries but are controversial. In the USA, "golden cards" are supposed to be available in two weeks. However, implementing them without Congressional approval may face legal and political obstacles.
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