US Citizenship by Investment: Former US President Donald Trump has announced a new citizenship program called the ‘Gold Card’, allowing individuals to secure US citizenship through a ₹44 crore (5 million USD) investment. This initiative, set to launch in two weeks, is being promoted as an exclusive alternative to the existing EB-5 visa program.
While this move makes headlines, America is not the only country where citizenship is granted in exchange for investment. Many nations offer similar ‘Citizenship by Investment’ (CBI) programs, allowing high-net-worth individuals to secure second citizenship by paying a hefty price.
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So, what does Trump’s Gold Card offer? How does it compare to other citizenship programs worldwide? And what impact will this have on Indian immigrants? Let’s dive in.
US Citizenship for ₹44 Crore – What Is Trump’s ‘Gold Card’ Visa?
Donald Trump, known for his business acumen, has launched an investment-based citizenship initiative that requires individuals to pay ₹44 crore to obtain US citizenship.
What is the ‘Gold Card’?
- A premium version of the US Green Card
- Provides permanent residency and citizenship benefits
- Part of the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program
Why is Trump introducing this program?
- To generate revenue for the US government
- To eliminate fraud in the EB-5 visa program
- To reduce bureaucracy in the immigration system
How much does it cost?
- ₹44 crore ($5 million) per applicant
- 5X the cost of the EB-5 visa program (which costs ₹8.75 crore or $1 million)
Who can apply?
- Only high-net-worth individuals who can afford the investment
- No restrictions on nationality
Impact of Trump’s Visa Program on Indians
1- Tougher Citizenship Rules for Skilled Indian Workers
The EB-5 visa program, which allowed Indian professionals to secure US residency through investment, may be phased out due to the Gold Card. Indian applicants have already been struggling with long wait times for green cards, and this new system could make it even harder for middle-class professionals to obtain US citizenship.
2- Higher Cost for Indian Investors
With a fivefold increase in investment requirements, Indians looking for fast-track US citizenship will need to shell out ₹44 crore instead of ₹8.75 crore under the EB-5 scheme. This could price out many Indian entrepreneurs and businesspersons.
3- Increased Deportations of Illegal Indian Immigrants
Since Trump resumed office, the deportation of illegal Indian immigrants has increased. His immigration policies focus on expelling undocumented residents while offering citizenship to only the wealthy through programs like the Gold Card.
Which Countries Sell Citizenship by Investment?
The US isn’t the only country where citizenship is for sale. Several nations offer investment-based residency and citizenship programs, attracting wealthy individuals worldwide.
Top Countries Offering Citizenship for Money
| Country | Investment Required | Equivalent in INR |
|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇪 UAE (Golden Visa) | $1.36 million | ₹11.5 crore |
| 🇹🇷 Turkey | $400,000 (Real estate investment) | ₹3.3 crore |
| 🇲🇺 Mauritius | $500,000 | ₹4.1 crore |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | €500,000 | ₹4.5 crore |
| 🇬🇷 Greece | €250,000 | ₹2.25 crore |
| 🇲🇹 Malta | €750,000 | ₹6.75 crore |
| 🇦🇬 Antigua & Barbuda | $130,000 | ₹1.1 crore |
| 🇰🇾 Cayman Islands | $2.4 million | ₹20 crore |
Why do people buy citizenship?
- Tax benefits in countries like UAE and Cayman Islands
- Visa-free travel to over 100 countries
- Better business opportunities
- Permanent residency and social benefits
Trump’s New Visa vs. EB-5 Green Card: What’s the Difference?
Current EB-5 Visa Program (₹8.75 Cr)
- Requires investment of $1 million in a US business
- Investor must create at least 10 jobs
- Grants permanent US residency
- Takes 4-6 months to process
New Gold Card (₹44 Cr)
- Requires direct investment of $5 million
- Provides faster US citizenship
- No requirement to create jobs
- Designed for wealthy elite buyers
Will Trump’s Citizenship Offer Be Successful?
🔹 Supporters argue that the Gold Card will boost the US economy by attracting high-net-worth individuals willing to pay high taxes. It could also help the US reduce national debt, as Trump has suggested.
🔹 Critics argue that it’s a ‘pay-to-play’ citizenship scheme, favoring only the ultra-rich while shutting out skilled workers and middle-class immigrants who rely on merit-based visas.
🔹 If implemented, wealthy Indians who wish to relocate to the US could benefit, but for most professionals, the dream of American citizenship might become even harder to achieve.
Is Buying US Citizenship Worth It?
Trump’s ₹44 crore Gold Card program is a game-changer in US immigration policy. While it offers faster citizenship for the ultra-rich, it also makes American residency more expensive than ever before.
For Indians, this means:
Wealthy investors can secure US citizenship easily
Skilled professionals may face more hurdles
Deportations of illegal immigrants could rise
If you’re considering a Citizenship by Investment program, there are cheaper options in UAE, Spain, and Turkey. But if the US is your ultimate goal, be prepared to pay the price!
What do you think about Trump’s ₹44 Cr Citizenship Offer? Would you pay for US residency? Let us know in the comments!
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