** “Trump gold cards”: an economic strategy or an invitation to the division? **
On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, the Oval Office was the scene of a daring announcement by Donald Trump concerning the sale of “Trump gold cards”, permanent residence titles for the modest sum of five million dollars. This program, presented as an answer to “high quality immigration”, raises complex, economic and moral questions. Beyond the financial attraction of such a program, the impact on American society and the perception of immigration deserve an in-depth analysis.
### A disguised economic opportunity
In theory, the idea behind the “Trump gold card” may seem attractive. By attracting “rich and prosperous” people, the White House hopes not only to strengthen state funds, but also encourage job creation through foreign investment. In a global economic context marked by volatility and uncertainties, this initiative can be perceived as a way to energize the American economy and attract vital talents for growing sectors, such as information technologies.
Statistics on economic immigration to the United States, notably via the EB-5 program, show that foreign nationals have invested more than $ 20 billion in the US economy in recent years. However, Trump’s proposal introduces a different dynamic. Instead of relying on investments in specific projects with high social impact potential, it favors a brutal approach centered on individual financial capacity. This raises two major concerns.
### Erosion of the principle of equal access
The first question concerns equity access to citizenship. By creating a clear differentiation between immigrants according to their financial status, the program of golden cards could exacerbate socio-economic inequalities. American citizens based on social class could be perceived as less worthy than those capable of paying millions. This dichotomy could also feed tensions within the American population, already divided on immigration issues.
A study by the Pew Research Center showed that even before this announcement, a large part of the population has shared opinions on immigration, oscillating between the reception and the rejection of economic immigrants. Highlighting the richness as a entry criterion could intensify this cleavage and fuel a feeling of injustice in those who cannot afford this luxury.
### A perverse effect: Oligarchs in the spotlight
The ambiguity of the declaration according to which even Russian oligarchs could apply for these “golden cards” strengthens this perception of injustice. By praising certain Russian billionaires, Trump seems to ignore the economic and ethical liabilities that these individuals represent, especially in the context of the sanctions imposed on Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine. For many, this could be perceived as a betrayal of American values, a country based on the idea that everyone deserves a chance, regardless of their financial resources.
### Redefine the concept of immigration
In an already polarized public debate, this initiative could also make a constructive redefinition of the concept of immigration difficult. Currently, the country is going through a period when the discourse on immigration is struggling to evolve towards inclusive and proactive solutions. Instead, Trump’s program is part of a logic of privatization of citizenship, where wealth becomes a means of entry, thus obscuring the real contributions for which immigrants could be recognized – their courage, their talents and talents their ability to transform communities.
### Conclusion: a call for reflection
While the launch of this program is approaching, it is crucial for American society to reflect on the consequences of such a policy. “Trump gold cards” can appear as a strategy to attract major investments, but they could also pave the way for an increased division among the population. Instead of enhancing the skills and potential of immigrants, current policy promotes those who already have significant financial capital.
The question will be whether this investment opportunity will be really beneficial to the entire American company or if it will only serve only an elite, inaccessible to the vast majority. For a country that has long been the lighthouse of hope and opportunities, the challenge is to take care not to lose this precious identity in favor of money. The time to reflect on this immigration model is more relevant than ever.