Trump's "Gold Cards"
An immigration plan to pay for the Wall
Last night Donald Trump unveiled a new immigration plan to sell “Gold Cards” for $5 million to encourage the best and brightest to come to America, or as he says, "very high-level people.” The idea is a step in the right direction, but it is a solution that serves a small elite faction. However, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t do it.
They should also expand the idea to reach average people. Below is a plan I put together a couple of weeks ago that sells bonds at $10,000 for citizenship. The bonds would be directed for border security. This market-based approach would help fix our broken immigration system without adding to the debt.
Speaking of the debt, Trump should sell “Gold Bonds,” not cards, and the money from those sales should go to paying down the debt. If he sells 10,000 bonds at $5 million a piece, that would be $50 billion toward the national debt.
Either way it’s great to have creative ideas floating around. Let me know what you think of mine!
Peace & Love,
Jeff Mayhugh
Pathway Citizenship Bond Program: A Market-Based Path to Legalization and Border Security
Objective
To create a self-funding pathway for undocumented immigrants to obtain legal status and eventual citizenship by purchasing government-issued bonds. The proceeds will be used exclusively for border security improvements, including technology, personnel, and infrastructure.
Key Features
Bonds as a Pathway to Citizenship
Undocumented immigrants can purchase Pathway Bonds, which serve as both an investment in national security and a structured legalization fee.
Bonds will have a fixed maturity period (e.g., 10-15 years) and will be non-transferable.
Bondholders must maintain legal residency status and meet other requirements (e.g., employment, tax compliance, background checks) to be eligible for citizenship.
Bond Structure
Face Value: $10,000 per individual (adjustable based on income levels, family size, and dependents).
Interest Rate: Zero or minimal interest (to ensure funds are used for security, not investor gains).
Maturity Period: 10 years, after which the bond can be redeemed only if the individual completes all citizenship requirements.
Early Withdrawal Penalties: If the applicant fails to meet requirements, the bond is forfeited to border security funding.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must prove continuous residence in the U.S. for at least five years.
Must pass criminal background checks and remain crime-free.
Must be employed or demonstrate financial self-sufficiency.
Must commit to civic participation and language proficiency requirements.
Use of Funds for Border Security
Funds from bond sales will be allocated as follows:
70% to physical border infrastructure (wall repairs, surveillance technology, drones, and sensors).
20% to border enforcement personnel (hiring more Border Patrol agents and increasing training).
10% to immigration processing improvements (court resources, administrative streamlining).
Enforcement Mechanisms
E-Verify Expansion: Participation in the program requires employers to verify work authorization through a strengthened E-Verify system.
Tracking Compliance: Biometric or digital tracking (e.g., periodic check-ins) to ensure bondholders maintain legal presence.
Deportation for Fraud: False applications or non-compliance will result in immediate disqualification and potential removal proceedings.
Political and Economic Benefits
For Conservatives: The program self-funds border security, reinforces lawful pathways, and ensures participants are invested in America.
For Progressives: It creates a realistic legalization pathway, protects families from deportation, and boosts economic contributions from immigrants.
For taxpayers: There is no additional burden on U.S. citizens since program participants finance border security.
For Business Leaders: Ensure a stable workforce while reducing uncertainty around immigration status.
For Everyone: Legalizing workers would increase tax revenue, further strengthening the economy.
Implementation Strategy
Legislative Framework
Introduce as a bipartisan bill emphasizing national security, economic benefits, and humane immigration reform.
Include sunset provisions to allow for evaluation and adjustments every 5 years.
Repair old immigration reform
Program & Rollout
Year 1-2: Limited pilot in high-immigrant-density states.
Year 3-5: Nationwide rollout based on pilot outcomes.
Year 5+: Adjustments based on border security funding needs and program effectiveness.
Public Messaging & Coalition Building
Partner with business groups, law enforcement, and immigrant advocacy organizations to gain broad support.
Frame the program as self-reliant, security-focused, and economically beneficial.
Conclusion
The Pathway Citizenship Bond Program offers a market-based, self-financing approach to immigration reform. By allowing undocumented immigrants to invest in their future while directly funding border security, the program creates a balanced, politically viable, and economically sustainable solution to one of America’s most persistent policy challenges.