On Thursday, US President Donald Trump revealed the first-ever “gold card,” a new residency permit that is being sold for $5 million each.

The announcement was made aboard Air Force One, where Trump held up a prototype of the exclusive card, which featured his face and the inscription “The Trump Card.”

The president enthusiastically told reporters that the special visa could be available for purchase “in less than two weeks,” marking a significant shift in the US immigration system.

“I’m the first buyer,” Trump said with a sense of pride. “Pretty exciting, huh?” he added, emphasizing the significance of this new initiative, which is set to revolutionize how residency permits are granted in the country.

The “Trump Card” is a high-priced alternative to the traditional green card, granting holders the ability to reside in the United States for an extended period. Trump previously stated that the sale of these cards would attract job creators and investors to the US, contributing to economic growth.

In addition, he argued that the proceeds from the card sales could be used to reduce the country’s national deficit, offering a potential financial boost for the federal government.

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Despite these efforts, the introduction of the gold card visa offers a more exclusive route to US residency for wealthy investors.

According to Trump, the new card is not just a high-value residency permit but could also serve as a pathway to obtaining US citizenship for those who purchase it.

The president previously revealed in February that his administration was aiming to sell “maybe a million” of these cards. When questioned about eligibility, Trump did not rule out the possibility that wealthy individuals, including Russian oligarchs, could be among those purchasing the cards, given their ability to invest significant sums into the US economy.

The “Trump Card” is part of a broader strategy to attract foreign investment while simultaneously cracking down on illegal immigration. By offering wealthy individuals the opportunity to buy into the US system, the president is positioning the card as a tool for economic development and job creation.

However, critics of the plan have raised concerns about the implications of selling residency permits to the highest bidder, arguing that it could undermine the integrity of the US immigration process.

In the coming weeks, the Trump administration is expected to release further details on how the program will be implemented, including who will be eligible to apply and the specific benefits that come with holding a Trump Card.

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