Immigration for the Elite
As Darren Winters highlights, President Donald Trump has long been known for his tough stance on immigration, often favouring stricter border controls and reduced asylum opportunities.
But in a recent shift, Trump is now touting a new approach: a proposed $5 million “golden visa” that would give wealthy foreigners a fast track to U.S. citizenship.
This pivot suggests that Trump’s vision of immigration may no longer be about limiting numbers—it’s about raising the price of entry.
The $5 Million “Gold Card” Idea
During a closed-door meeting with donors, Trump floated the idea of creating a fast-track immigration option for foreign nationals willing to invest $5 million or more into the United States.
The proposal closely mirrors and aims to replace the EB-5 investor visa program but with a higher financial bar. Trump’s pitch is straightforward: bring in the mega-rich, and they can buy their way to citizenship.
Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and a Trump ally, confirmed the seriousness of the plan, saying, “He’s going to create a golden visa—a golden passport. He said, ‘I want rich people to come to America. I want them to buy a house for a million, five million.’” (The Week)
Economic Justification—or Political Optics?
Supporters of the proposal argue it’s an economic win: high-net-worth individuals could bring capital, start businesses, and generate tax revenue.
But critics argue it’s less about economics and more about optics.
Darren Winters cautions that with growing backlash against migrants at the southern border, Trump’s proposal reinforces a class-based filter that critics say favours billionaires over refugees.
In a CNBC interview, immigration attorney David Leopold responded bluntly: “This isn’t immigration reform—it’s immigration for sale.” (CNBC)
Criticism and Ethical Backlash
The idea of selling permanent residency has alarmed both policy experts and immigrant rights groups.
Critics argue that it undermines the principle that immigration should be based on merit, family reunification, or humanitarian need—not wealth.
There are also fears that such a system could invite corruption or enable money laundering under the guise of investment.
Moreover, while the U.S. would welcome the rich, this proposal makes no attempt to address the plight of thousands of low-income immigrants and asylum seekers stuck in legal limbo.
A New Immigration Litmus Test?
Trump’s latest policy idea signals a shift in how the U.S. may handle immigration under a potential second term: fewer pathways for the poor, and more perks for the ultra-rich.
By replacing humanitarian values with high-dollar thresholds, the president is redefining who deserves to call America home.