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In a striking case of misinformation, IMANI Africa Vice President Kofi Bentil has been found to have made false claims regarding the Trump Gold Card program, suggesting it could grant immediate U.S. citizenship to individuals who invest $1 million.
The claim emerged during TV3’s “The Key Points” news analysis program on January 17, 2026, where Bentil discussed potential options for former Ghanaian finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta, who is reportedly detained by U.S. immigration authorities.
“Today in America, you can buy citizenship,” Bentil stated on air. “If you invest a certain amount of money in America, they will give you citizenship. Today there’s something called a Trump gold card. It’s worth a million dollars, $1 million.”
However, a comprehensive review of official U.S. government sources reveals this claim to be categorically false. The Trump Gold Card program, launched in late 2025, does not confer citizenship but rather provides an expedited pathway to legal permanent residency.
According to the Executive Order published on the White House website on September 19, 2025, the program allows individuals to “establish eligibility for an immigrant visa using an expedited process” with a “requisite gift amount” of $1 million for individuals or $2 million for corporations acting on behalf of an individual. Nowhere in the executive order is citizenship mentioned as an outcome.
The official program website, TrumpCard.gov, clearly outlines that successful applicants receive “U.S. residency in record time” after paying a $15,000 Department of Homeland Security processing fee, passing a background check, and making the required $1 million contribution.
Further clarification comes from the program’s “Essential Information and Guidance” section, which states that “a successful applicant receives lawful permanent resident status as an EB-1 or EB-2 visa holder,” not citizenship.
The distinction between permanent residency and citizenship is significant. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) explains that naturalization—the process of becoming a U.S. citizen—typically requires an individual to first be a lawful permanent resident for at least five years before applying for citizenship.
The differences between permanent residents and citizens are substantial. While permanent residents can live and work in the United States indefinitely, they cannot vote in federal elections, may be deported for serious crimes or immigration violations, cannot obtain a U.S. passport, and face restrictions on extended foreign travel.
Citizens, by contrast, enjoy full voting rights, protection from deportation, passport eligibility, and the ability to sponsor a wider range of family members for immigration. They can also run for public office, serve on juries, and hold most federal government positions—all rights not extended to permanent residents.
Bentil’s suggestion that the Trump Gold Card could provide Ofori-Atta with immediate citizenship protection from deportation or extradition significantly misrepresents the program’s actual benefits and limitations.
The mischaracterization is particularly problematic given Bentil’s position as vice president of IMANI Africa, an influential policy think tank, and his status as a legal professional whose statements on such matters carry weight in public discourse.
This fact-check underscores the importance of verifying immigration-related information through official government sources, especially when such claims could influence public understanding of complex legal matters like citizenship, residency status, and international extradition processes.
As immigration policies continue to evolve under different administrations, maintaining accuracy in public discussions about pathways to legal status remains crucial for informed civic engagement.
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5 Comments
This seems like another case of misinformation spreading quickly online. It’s good to see the facts being checked and the truth coming out. Investors should be cautious about any claims of ‘instant citizenship’ programs.
The details around the Trump Gold Card program are clearly complex. I appreciate the thorough fact-checking here to separate truth from fiction. It’s a good reminder to always verify claims, especially when it comes to high-stakes issues like citizenship.
While the Trump Gold Card may provide an expedited pathway to permanent residency, it’s important to clarify that it does not directly grant U.S. citizenship. Accurate information on immigration policies is crucial to avoid confusion.
This is a helpful clarification on the limitations of the Trump Gold Card program. While it may provide expedited residency, it’s crucial not to overstate its capabilities or implications for citizenship. Reliable information is key.
Interesting to see this misinformation debunked. It highlights the importance of relying on official government sources when it comes to understanding complex policy changes. Fact-checking is so important these days.