On December 11, 2025, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick appeared on CNBC, stepping into the national spotlight to defend a controversial new immigration policy rolled out by President Donald Trump: the so-called "Gold Card" visa program. This initiative, which allows foreign nationals to effectively purchase U.S. citizenship for the hefty sum of $1 million, has ignited fierce debate across the political spectrum, drawing both praise and condemnation from various quarters.
Lutnick, speaking with CNBC host Joe Kernen, positioned the program as a bold step to "bring in the best and brightest to the country." He argued that the traditional U.S. immigration system was due for an overhaul, emphasizing that the existing process, in his view, does not sufficiently prioritize economic contribution or talent. "This concept where you just get online to come into the United States of America and you just come on in, I mean, the average green card holder in America makes one-third less than the average American," Lutnick said on air, according to CNBC. "We should be bringing in the best and the brightest, and that's what Donald Trump is changing about our immigration system. Let's expedite the best and the brightest who are going to give a million dollars to the United States to prove they're at the top of the list."
The "Gold Card" policy, as described by Lutnick, seeks to fast-track wealthy immigrants who can immediately invest significant capital into the United States. The underlying logic, as articulated by the administration, is that such individuals are more likely to contribute to the country’s economy through investment, business creation, and job generation. The endorsement of the policy by high-profile business leaders, including Apple CEO Tim Cook—at least as cited by President Trump—has been used to bolster the administration's case that the program is a pragmatic move to attract global talent and capital.
Yet, the optics of the program have not sat well with everyone. CNBC's Kernen himself voiced a common concern: "I guess just the optics of it is what bothers me." For many critics, the idea of selling citizenship raises uncomfortable questions about fairness, privilege, and the foundational values of the American immigration system. Is the promise of America now something that can simply be bought by the highest bidder?
This debate over the "Gold Card" comes amid a broader and increasingly heated conversation about U.S. immigration policy—one that has been further inflamed by President Trump’s recent public remarks targeting migrants from certain countries. At a rally just one day after Lutnick’s CNBC appearance, Trump launched into a tirade against immigration from nations such as Somalia, labeling them a "disaster," "filthy, dirty, disgusting, ridden with crime," and expressing an explicit preference for migrants from "white countries" like Norway and Sweden, as reported by Firstpost Africa.
The backlash was swift and global. Somali Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi publicly rejected Trump’s characterization, defending the reputation and dignity of his countrymen. "The Somali people are known for their hard work and resilience," Fiqi asserted, according to Firstpost Africa, while also expressing gratitude for ongoing U.S. military support in Somalia’s fight against terrorism. Fiqi’s response was measured but firm, reflecting a broader sense of outrage and hurt among Somalis and many in the international community.
Trump’s rhetoric, however, has not been limited to Somalia. According to Firstpost Africa, his comments at the rally were part of a pattern that includes past use of racial slurs to describe Haiti and other African nations, as well as repeated calls for the deportation of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, herself a Somali immigrant who has become a prominent figure in U.S. politics. These statements have only deepened the sense that the administration’s approach to immigration is not just about economics or security, but also about race and identity—a perception that has been hotly contested by both supporters and critics.
Supporters of the administration, especially those aligned with business interests, have tended to focus on the economic rationale behind policies like the "Gold Card". They argue that attracting wealthy immigrants will benefit the U.S. economy, create jobs, and foster innovation. The endorsement—real or implied—by figures such as Tim Cook is cited as evidence that the policy is grounded in sound economic thinking and aligns with the needs of American industry.
On the other hand, critics from across the political spectrum have voiced concern that the policy fundamentally changes the meaning of American citizenship. Many argue that it privileges wealth over merit, family ties, or humanitarian need, and that it sends a message to the world that U.S. values are for sale. Civil rights advocates and immigrant groups have also pointed out that the policy does nothing to address the plight of refugees, asylum seekers, or low-income migrants who have traditionally looked to the U.S. as a beacon of hope.
Meanwhile, Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric has drawn condemnation not just from foreign officials like Fiqi, but also from many within the United States. Lawmakers, advocacy groups, and ordinary citizens have called his remarks divisive and damaging to America’s global reputation. The repeated targeting of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has raised particular alarm, with many seeing it as an attack on the principle of equal opportunity and the contributions of immigrants to American society.
The juxtaposition of the "Gold Card" policy and Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric has left many observers questioning the true direction of U.S. immigration policy. Is the aim to open doors to those who can pay, while slamming them shut for those fleeing hardship or seeking a better life? The contrast is stark, and the debate is far from settled.
For now, the Trump administration appears undeterred, pressing ahead with its vision of an immigration system that prioritizes wealth and perceived merit. Whether this approach will stand the test of time—or the scrutiny of voters, courts, and the international community—remains to be seen. What is clear is that the conversation about who gets to become an American, and on what terms, is more charged and consequential than ever.
As the dust settles on another week of controversy, the future contours of U.S. immigration policy are anything but certain. But one thing is clear: the debate over the "Gold Card" and the rhetoric surrounding it will continue to shape the nation’s identity and its place in the world for years to come.
