Critics Warn Trump’s “Discounted Citizenship” Plan Crosses Dangerous Lines

The newly launched immigration initiative by the Trump administration, known as the Trump Gold Card Visa, is already mired in controversy after a significant reduction in its entry price shortly following its introduction. Originally priced at $5 million per applicant, the program has been slashed to a mere $1 million, equating to an 80 percent decrease.On September 19, President Donald Trump enacted an executive order establishing this program, which guarantees “U.S. residency in record time” for affluent foreign nationals contributing $1 million to the Commerce Department. A corporate variant costing $2 million is also available for employers wishing to sponsor employees, along with a future proposal for a $5 million “Trump Platinum Card” that would offer extended U.S. access and foreign tax concessions.However, this sudden price drop has sparked apprehension. Nuri Katz of Apex Capital Partners remarked that the decision reflects an "admission of failure," as the high entry fee had initially restricted it to a select few ultra-wealthy individuals, many of whom are already U.S. citizens. Critics, including Democratic Senator Dick Durbin from Illinois, caution that it may attract undesirable elements. Furthermore, legal experts have questioned the executive branch's authority to establish new visa categories without legislative consent. The...