1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

The Trump administration's proposed "gold card" program auctioning off U.S. citizenship to the highest bidder is a brazen attack on the founding principles of this nation. Putting a $5 million price tag on naturalization spits in the face of the democratic ideals America was built upon - that all are created equal with unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This corrupt scheme blatantly favors the ultra-wealthy elite while shutting out hardworking immigrants who lack millions to buy their way in. It commodifies something as sacred as citizenship, reducing it to just another luxury product for the privileged few. This grotesque cash-for-citizenship plan epitomizes the greed and moral bankruptcy eroding society under Trump. It must be forcefully condemned and rejected by all who believe in justice, equality and human dignity. Lawmakers have a patriotic duty to stop this un-American affront to democracy before Trump permanently tarnishes and disfigures the nation's identity.