Gulbenk
On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump announced a proposal to introduce new “gold card” residency permits, priced at $5 million each, indicating that Russian oligarchs may qualify for this opportunity.
Trump explained that the introduction of this new visa, which serves as a premium alternative to the traditional green card, aims to attract job creators and could potentially aid in reducing the national deficit of the United States.
“We will be offering a gold card. You currently have a green card; this is an upgraded gold card. The price for this card will be approximately $5 million,” Trump stated during a press briefing in the Oval Office.
The Republican president, who has prioritized the deportation of millions of undocumented immigrants during his second term, noted that this new card would provide a pathway to the highly sought-after US citizenship.
Many individuals will seek to come to this country, and they will have the opportunity to work, create jobs, and establish businesses, Trump stated. “These will be individuals with financial resources.”
Trump also mentioned that sales of the cards would commence in approximately two weeks.
“We anticipate the potential to sell around a million of these cards. We have thoroughly addressed all legal considerations,” Trump further noted.
The billionaire former real estate mogul stated that all candidates for the new gold cards would undergo thorough scrutiny. When inquired whether affluent Russians would also be eligible to apply, Trump indicated that it was a possibility.
“Possibly. I know some Russian oligarchs who are quite decent individuals. It’s a possibility,” Trump remarked. “They are not as wealthy as they once were. I believe they can manage $5 million.”
Several Russian oligarchs have faced Western sanctions following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine three years ago. Trump has surprised European leaders by unexpectedly initiating discussions with Russia to resolve the conflict, raising concerns that he might compromise Ukraine’s interests.
The US president informed reporters that the removal of sanctions on Russia could be feasible “at some point,” although it is not currently being considered. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who was present alongside Trump in the Oval Office, commented on the gold cards, stating, “We can utilize that revenue to decrease our deficit.”
Trump, who has established a number of hotels and casinos throughout his extensive business career, even proposed that the new cards could bear his name. “Someone asked, ‘Can we call it the Trump gold card?’ I replied, ‘If it helps, feel free to use the name Trump,’” he stated.
