A Profitable 'Bargain'?

President Donald Trump's new immigration plan has sparked a serious debate across the world.

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His idea to introduce a 'gold card' visa for a USD 5 million investment is meant to replace the existing EB-5 visa programme. The EB-5, created in 1990, allowed foreign investors to gain permanent residency in the United States by investing in businesses that created jobs. Trump's new 'gold card' visa plan removes the job creation requirement but, at the same time, will raise the price significantly. The new programme is being pitched as a novel and historic way to attract wealthy individuals from across the globe who can afford the exorbitant price tag. Trump and his Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, have floated an argument that the EB-5 programme is outdated, prone to fraud, and significantly undervalues the US residency. By increasing the investment requirement, the US administration believes that the new system will be more efficient and contribute directly to the development of the American economy. Trump has even gone on to suggest that selling millions of th