Donald Trump’s Gold Card Strategy: A Game-Changer for the U.S. Economy?
Today, we are going to discuss a fascinating economic strategy implemented by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which is reportedly generating massive revenue for the U.S. government. This is not an investment scheme, not a bond, not even a manufactured product—it’s simply a “Golden Card” that allows non-Americans to reside in the United States indefinitely. The cost? A whopping ₹42 crore (around $5 million) per card.
How the U.S. Government is Earning ₹42,000 Crore Daily
According to reports, every day, 1,000 Golden Cards are being sold worldwide. If each card costs ₹42 crore, this means the U.S. government earns ₹42,000 crore daily—pure profit! This number is even higher than some of the world’s biggest defense deals. To put it in perspective, India’s S-400 missile deal with Russia was valued at around $5.5 billion, an amount Trump’s plan generates almost every single day.
What is the U.S. Golden Card?
The Golden Card is essentially a premium residency permit that allows wealthy individuals to live in the U.S. for an indefinite period. Unlike traditional investment-based visas, this is not an investment—the money goes directly to the U.S. government, and there is no return on it. Holders of this card can:
- Reside in the U.S. for as long as they want
- Apply for U.S. citizenship (though citizenship comes with taxation obligations)
- Retain tax benefits—income earned outside the U.S. is not taxed by the U.S. government
For example, if an Indian businessman purchases this Golden Card, his earnings in India will be taxed only in India, not in the U.S. This makes the scheme highly attractive to global millionaires and billionaires.
Why is the Golden Card So Popular?
There are approximately 37 million people worldwide who can afford this card, including many wealthy individuals from India and China. If even 1 million people eventually buy it, the U.S. government will receive $5 trillion—a figure higher than the GDP of many nations.
Another factor driving the demand is geopolitical instability. The U.S. is marketing this as a “safe haven” for the ultra-rich. Given ongoing wars, economic crises, and unpredictable governments, wealthy individuals are looking for an escape plan. The U.S. is offering just that.
How Trump Increased the Value of U.S. Citizenship
Trump executed this strategy brilliantly:
- Reduced the value of the traditional Green Card – Earlier, getting a U.S. Green Card was a dream for many. Trump made it clear that a Green Card does not guarantee permanent residence.
- Closed previous investment visa programs – The EB-5 visa program, which required investment in U.S. businesses, was shut down.
- Priced U.S. citizenship at a premium – By setting the cost at ₹42 crore, Trump established U.S. citizenship as an elite commodity.
Why Did Russia Fail with Its Golden Visa?
Other countries have attempted similar programs, but none have matched the U.S.’s success.
- Russia launched its Golden Visa program in 2022, offering residency for just ₹4 crore investment in real estate or businesses.
- However, very few people applied—less than 400 applications per year—due to war risks, sanctions, and financial system restrictions.
- European countries also offer permanent residency for as low as ₹5-10 crore, but they now realize they have undervalued their citizenship.
The Impact on India: A Challenge for the Government
A recent survey in India found that 20% of Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNIs) are considering relocating abroad. India, like China, is witnessing a significant wealth migration. If this continues:
- India’s wealthiest individuals will move their money abroad.
- The government’s tax revenue will decline.
- The U.S. will continue attracting global wealth.
What Should India Do?
India needs to find ways to retain its wealthy citizens while continuing to support economic growth. Should India introduce a similar “Golden Visa” for high-net-worth individuals? Should tax policies be restructured to prevent wealth flight?
What do you think? Comment below with your suggestions!
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s Golden Card strategy is a game-changer, proving that citizenship and residency can be monetized at a premium level. While other countries struggle to sell visas at lower prices, the U.S. has turned it into a luxury product.
The key question remains—how will India respond to this challenge? Will India make policy changes to keep its wealthy citizens? Or will the trend of wealth migration continue?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Stay tuned for more updates on global economic policies and their impact on India