Experts Warn of Corruption Risks; Amicus International Offers Lawful, Secure Alternatives for Citizenship and Residency
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND — The recent announcement by former President Donald Trump proposing a “Gold Card” visa for wealthy foreigners — a $5 million fast-track to U.S. residency and eventual citizenship — has set off alarms among anti-corruption experts and international watchdogs.
Critics argue that the plan could open a back door for the world’s wealthy elite, including oligarchs, tax evaders, and politically exposed persons, to shield themselves and their assets from prosecution and public scrutiny.
Despite Trump’s claim that “this has never been done before,” experts are quick to point out that the proposal bears a striking resemblance to existing and deeply controversial citizenship-by-investment (CBI) schemes previously adopted by several countries, many of which are now under investigation or being dismantled.
“This plan has all the hallmarks of the most problematic golden visa programs we’ve seen globally — it effectively places U.S. residency and citizenship up for sale,” said a senior advisor at a European anti-money laundering institute. “These programs have been used not just by legitimate investors, but by individuals seeking to escape justice.”
A Global History of Citizenship for Sale
The idea of selling residency or citizenship to foreign nationals is not new. Countries including Malta, Cyprus, and several Caribbean nations have long operated CBI programs, offering passports in exchange for significant financial contributions to government funds or investments in real estate. However, many of these programs have drawn heavy criticism.
In 2020, the European Commission launched infringement procedures against Malta and Cyprus for violating EU law by offering passports without genuine links to the country. Cyprus was forced to shut down its CBI program after investigative journalists revealed how criminals and political figures were purchasing Cypriot citizenship to gain visa-free access to the EU.
Case Study: The Cyprus Papers
In 2020, an Al Jazeera investigation, The Cyprus Papers, revealed that hundreds of individuals — including known criminals and fugitives — had obtained Cypriot passports. The fallout was immediate: protests, resignations, and eventually, the shuttering of the program.
“This case perfectly illustrates the dangers of selling citizenship without strict vetting,” said an international law scholar. “What’s troubling is that the U.S., under Trump’s plan, may be walking into the same trap.”
The Financial Risk: A New Haven for Illicit Wealth?
Critics argue that allowing high-net-worth individuals to purchase a path to American citizenship not only raises ethical concerns, but also poses serious national security and financial crime risks. With the U.S. dollar still functioning as the world’s reserve currency, the stakes are especially high.
“The potential for abuse is enormous,” warned a former U.S. Treasury official. “You’re essentially telling the world’s wealthiest — no matter how they earned their fortune — that if they have $5 million, they’re welcome. That invites corruption.”
Case Study: The 1MDB Scandal
The 1MDB scandal, which rocked Malaysia and implicated financiers across the globe, also showed how international financial systems — including real estate markets and CBI schemes — can be used to launder stolen money. Key figures in the scandal moved illicit funds through luxury purchases and investment programs in Europe and the Caribbean, in some cases using new passports to shield their identities.
Amicus International Offers a Legal and Transparent Alternative
In contrast to opaque CBI schemes, Amicus International Consulting provides a lawful and compliance-driven pathway to second citizenship, legal identity changes, and residency planning — all within the bounds of international law and transparency standards.
Amicus International’s approach emphasizes:
- Rigorous vetting and due diligence
- Partnerships with reputable governments
- Strict compliance with FATF and OECD regulations
- Privacy-focused residency options that comply with global AML rules
“We don’t sell citizenship. We facilitate legal relocation, privacy, and identity planning for individuals with valid, lawful reasons — whether that’s personal safety, asset protection, or international mobility,” said a company representative.
Case Study: Legal Relocation for Whistleblower Protection
In 2023, Amicus assisted a Central European whistleblower — whose work exposed financial misconduct in a state-owned energy firm — in safely relocating to a neutral jurisdiction.
The individual, fearing political retaliation, obtained legal residency through a privacy-complaint program in a Caribbean nation. The client now resides safely with full legal protections, having passed extensive background and security checks.
Case Study: High-Risk Professional Seeks Identity Protection
In another case, a Latin American attorney known for defending political dissidents faced threats and digital surveillance in her home country. Amicus facilitated a legal name change, second passport acquisition, and digital privacy tools, allowing her to continue her work in safety while maintaining full compliance with international travel protocols.
Citizenship-by-Investment Programs Under Scrutiny
Even nations that once championed citizenship-for-sale programs are now reevaluating their stance:
- Portugal suspended its golden visa real estate route in 2023 due to rising property prices and foreign ownership backlash.
- Ireland scrapped its Immigrant Investor Program after reports of misuse.
- Dominica and Antigua face growing pressure from the European Union to implement stricter due diligence.
In contrast, Amicus International operates under a compliance-first model, avoiding the pitfalls of programs that simply offer passports for cash. Its services are tailored to individuals with legitimate reasons for privacy, relocation, or protection.
What Makes a Program Legitimate?
According to global best practices, a lawful second citizenship or residency pathway should:
- Require a substantial link to the country, such as ancestry, long-term residence, or a demonstrable national interest
- Ensure background checks against sanctions lists, INTERPOL databases, and politically exposed persons
- Be transparent, auditable, and defensible under public scrutiny
Trump’s proposed “Gold Card” visa program — with no mention of these safeguards — threatens to deviate from these standards entirely.
The Bigger Picture: Balancing National Security and Individual Privacy
Amicus International maintains that personal security and financial privacy should not come at the cost of transparency or global security. Its team works with former compliance officers, legal experts, and identity management consultants to create a responsible framework for:
- Second citizenship planning
- Name and identity changes
- Extradition-free residencies
- Asset protection structuring
Conclusion: Buyer Beware
The global trend is moving away from citizenship-for-sale and toward lawful, transparent identity solutions. Trump’s plan to introduce a $5 million visa risks placing the U.S. on a path already rejected by many of its democratic allies.
Amicus International offers a viable, lawful alternative — one that respects due process, supports individual freedom, and avoids the dangerous precedent of commodifying citizenship.
📞 Contact Information
Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402
Email: info@amicusint.ca
Website: www.amicusint.ca
