US President Donald Trump has launched a new programme called the “Trump Card”, also known as the “Gold Card”, which offers foreigners a chance to gain access to US citizenship by paying $5 million to the government.

The program was announced on Truth Social, Trump’s social media platform. The president said that people can now visit the new website trumpcard.gov and join the waitlist by filling out a form.

Trump described the Gold Card as “somewhat like a Green Card, but at a higher level of sophistication.” He also said, “Thousands have been calling and asking how they can sign up to ride a beautiful road in gaining access to the Greatest Country and Market anywhere in the World.”

However, the fine print in Trump’s post makes it clear that the Gold Card does not guarantee US citizenship. Instead, it gives people a chance to follow a “beautiful road in gaining access to the Greatest Country”. Trump also said he would not need approval from Congress because the Gold Card does not directly give citizenship—it only offers a path to it.

Currently, the most common way to become a permanent resident in the US is through naturalisation. A person must be at least 18 years old, live in the US for at least five years, and have basic English skills. They must also be of “good moral character” to apply.

Earlier this month, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick spoke about the program’s potential in India. He said, “We are going to be incredibly successful in India. So, when people ask me, 'When are you coming to India?' I'd say, 'When I launch the Trump Card, I promise you I'm coming to India.’”

The Trump Card has now officially launched, and applications are open for those willing to pay the $5 million entry fee.

You might also be interested in: Tripura man killed over love triangle, body found hidden in ice cream freezer