In a move that raises ethical and moral concerns, President Donald Trump announced a plan to sell a “gold card” to wealthy foreigners, granting them the right to live and work in the United States—and ultimately a pathway to citizenship—for a $5 million fee.
“We’re going to be selling a gold card,” Trump said from the Oval Office. “You have a green card. This is a gold card. We’re going to be putting a price on that card of about $5 million, and that’s going to give you green card privileges, plus it’s going to be a route to citizenship. And wealthy people will be coming into our country by buying this card,” according to his remarks on Tuesday.
This initiative, which Trump suggests could sell “millions” of cards, is intended to replace the current EB-5 immigrant investor visa program. That program allows foreign investors to obtain U.S. residency by investing in American projects that create jobs, with minimum investment requirements currently set at $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in economically distressed areas), according to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
A Catholic View on Immigration and Human Dignity
For Catholics, this proposal raises serious concerns about the dignity of the human person and the moral integrity of the U.S. immigration system. Catholic social teaching emphasizes that migration is a human right, especially for those fleeing poverty, persecution, and violence—not a privilege reserved for the highest bidder.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that “the more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin” (CCC 2241). Selling citizenship to the wealthy directly contradicts this principle, privileging economic status over human dignity.
The Church has long advocated for immigration policies based on justice and compassion, particularly policies that protect the most vulnerable. Pope Francis has spoken frequently about the need to welcome migrants and refugees with open hearts, stating, “Migrants and refugees are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity” (Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, 2014).
A System Favoring the Rich?
One of the most troubling aspects of Trump’s plan is the explicit favor given to the ultra-wealthy. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who stood alongside Trump during the announcement, defended the proposal by saying, “They’ll have to go through vetting, of course, to make sure they’re wonderful world-class global citizens.”
Yet this raises a crucial question: Should citizenship be a commodity reserved for the wealthy, or should it be an opportunity extended to all who seek to contribute to the common good?
Many Catholic leaders and organizations have condemned immigration policies that prioritize financial gain over human need. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has repeatedly emphasized the importance of a fair and just immigration system that does not discriminate based on wealth. In their pastoral letter Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope, they affirm that “persons have the right to migrate to support themselves and their families.” A policy that effectively creates a price tag for citizenship contradicts this fundamental teaching.
Concerns Over Foreign Influence and National Security
Another source of controversy stems from Trump’s comments regarding potential buyers of the gold card. When asked whether he would consider selling the cards to Russian oligarchs, Trump responded, “Yeah, possibly. I know some Russian oligarchs that are very nice people.” This raises serious ethical and national security concerns, as it suggests that individuals with significant wealth—but potentially questionable backgrounds—could purchase U.S. residency with minimal scrutiny.
Catholic moral teaching also warns against policies that prioritize profit over justice. Allowing wealthy elites from around the world to “buy” their way into the country could further entrench global inequalities and undermine the integrity of the immigration system.
A Call for a Just and Compassionate Immigration System
Catholics who take seriously the Church’s teachings on human dignity and the common good should be wary of policies that create an immigration system based on wealth rather than need. Selling citizenship contradicts the fundamental belief that all human beings have equal dignity, regardless of their financial status.
Instead of prioritizing the rich, a just immigration system should focus on providing opportunities for those seeking refuge, safety, and a better life. As Catholics, we are called to advocate for policies that uphold the dignity of every person, not just those who can afford a $5 million price tag.
In the end, the question remains: Should American citizenship be something to be earned through service, contribution, and commitment—or simply purchased by the highest bidder?
