Trump Card Visa Scheme: Path to U.S. Residency

Trump Card Visa Scheme Offers U.S. Residency

Why in the News?

The U.S. Commerce Secretary announced that over 70,000 people have signed up for the newly launched Trump Card visa scheme. It offers permanent residency in exchange for a $5 million payment, aimed at reducing America’s national debt.

Trump Card Visa Scheme: Path to U.S. Residency

Key Features of the Trump Card Scheme:

  • The Trump Card is a new visa initiative offering U.S. permanent residency, work rights, and a path to citizenship.
  • It is targeted at wealthy foreign nationals and requires a $5 million payment.
  • A dedicated portal (trumpcard.gov) has been launched for registration.
  • President Trump showcased a gold-coloured card with his image in April aboard Air Force One.
  • The scheme may replace the existing EB-5 immigrant investor programme which requires a lower investment and job creation.

Objectives Behind the Scheme

  • Aimed at tackling the U.S. budget deficit and $36.2 trillion national debt.
  • Expected to generate $1 trillion if 200,000 cards are issued.
  • Trump projects the sale of one million cards, possibly raising $5 trillion.
  • Promoted as a strategy to attract wealthy individuals who will spend, invest, and create jobs in the U.S.

Legal and Practical Challenges

  • Unlike EB-5, this is a donation, not an investment—no returns expected.
  • Immigration experts say clients lose interest once informed the $5 million is a non-refundable gift.
  • The scheme lacks Congressional approval, raising legal concerns.
  • Both Republicans and Democrats question the President’s authority to implement such a programme unilaterally.