Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Wednesday that 250,000 people were waiting to get one of President Trump's so-called “gold cards.”
In an interview with Bret Baier about the Fox News Channel's Special Report, Lutnick defended the proposed program as a way to spend enough money on it to begin paying off the country's debts.
“We're currently waiting for 250,000 people,” Rutnick said. “If they're willing to pay $5 million, that's more than a direct $1 trillion – $1.25 trillion on that line alone.
“And I think these people know they can come to America, so they can be in the greatest country on the planet, so I think it's going to be a huge way,” Rutnick added.
The Trump administration said Tuesday that it will revamp its US investor visa, increase the amount of funds needed to ensure status, and dubbing the new option with a “gold card.”
In an interview Wednesday, Lutnick emphasized that all those in line will be examined.
“Of course. It was deeply vetted. And we said we'd go from the first moment. These are the people who were vetted,” Rutnick said when asked if they would be vetted.
“These will become great global citizens who bring entrepreneurship, capabilities and growth to America. If one of them comes in, think about the work they will bring with them, the business they will bring with them. And they will pay American taxes as well. This is a lot of money for America,” he said.
Trump on Tuesday promoted the new program as a boost to the economy, likening the “Gold Card” to an upgraded “Green Card.”
“We sell gold cards. We have green cards. This is a gold card. We're going to spend about $5 million on that card. This gives us the privilege of green cards. And it's a route to citizenship. And the wealthy people will come to our country by purchasing this card. They are wealthy, they will be successful, they will spend a lot of money, they will pay a lot of taxes and employ a lot of people, and we think it will be very successful,” Trump told reporters on Tuesday.
