Trump’s $5M Gold Card Visa: Impact on US Immigration & Indian Investors

27-02-2025

05:45 AM

1 min read

What’s in Today’s Article?

US President Donald Trump introduced a new "gold card" immigration initiative, replacing the EB-5 visa program. For a $5 million investment, wealthy foreign investors can gain a path to U.S. citizenship and permanent residency.
The existing EB-5 program, established in 1990, requires a minimum investment of $1.05 million (or $800,000 in distressed areas) to create or preserve jobs.
It has faced criticism for fraud and misuse, including funding projects linked to Trump family businesses.

Established by the U.S. Congress in 1990, the EB-5 visa program aimed to boost the American economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors.

The program grants green cards to immigrants who invest at least $1,050,000 or $800,000 in economically distressed areas, known as targeted employment areas.

The EB-5 program was capped at 10,000 visas annually with 3,000 reserved for investments in high-unemployment areas.

The program faced criticism for deviating from its intended purpose, with reports indicating that businesses and Trump family members used it to fund major property developments.
Calls for reform grew during Trump’s presidency.

The program was last renewed under President Joe Biden in 2022, with investment thresholds raised.
The Trump administration attempted to increase the minimum investment for targeted areas to $900,000 in 2019, but a federal judge overturned this decision in 2021.

EB-5 Program
- Established in 1990 and managed by USCIS.
- Grants Green Cards to foreign investors who invest at least $1.05 million ($800,000 in certain cases).
- Requires the creation of at least 10 jobs for Americans.
Gold Card Program
- Likely does not require investment in American businesses or job creation.
- Allows direct purchase of a Green Card for $5 million.
Administration and Processing
- United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is expected to regulate and issue Gold Cards.
- Likely involvement of the Department of State and Department of Commerce.
- Faster processing times anticipated to encourage participation.

Attracting Wealthy Investors
- The straightforward residency pathway may encourage high-net-worth individuals to move to the U.S.
- These investors could contribute to the economy through real estate, luxury markets, and business investments.
Reducing Fraud Risks
- The EB-5 program has faced allegations of fraud.
- A direct, high-cost purchase model may help minimize misuse and regulatory loopholes.

Citizenship for Sale
- The program prioritizes wealth over merit, potentially disadvantaging skilled professionals.
- It raises ethical and political concerns about fairness in immigration policy.
Risk of Financial Misuse
- Investment-based immigration programs can be exploited for money laundering and foreign influence.
- Lack of strong regulatory oversight may increase these risks.
No Economic Contribution Requirement
- Unlike EB-5, the Gold Card does not mandate job creation or business investment.
- Passive investors could gain residency without contributing to the U.S. economy.
Historical Precedents and Policy Questions
- A similar program in Canada was discontinued due to widespread misuse.
- Key concerns remain: Should U.S. citizenship be available for purchase? Should immigration policy prioritize skills and economic contributions?

Legislative Hurdles in Congress
- Immigration policy changes require congressional approval.
- While Republicans hold a majority, not all may support a program perceived as "selling" citizenship.
- Democrats are expected to oppose the proposal.
Potential Legal Challenges
- Most visa-related legal issues arise from program administration rather than the policy itself.
- It is uncertain what legal challenges the Gold Card may face.

In 2023, only 631 Indians obtained Green Cards through the EB-5 program.
Given the $5 million (₹43 crore) price tag, the Gold Card may not be attractive to many Indian investors.

Over a million Indians are among those waiting for green cards in the U.S., according to US government data.
In employment-based categories, the backlog for Indian applicants is projected to reach 2.19 million by 2030.
Any new category will add to their waiting period.

Q1. What is Trump's Gold Card Visa?

Ans. The Gold Card Visa allows foreign investors to gain US residency and citizenship for a $5 million investment.

Q2. How does Gold Card Visa differ from EB-5?

Ans. Unlike EB-5, the Gold Card Visa doesn’t require job creation or business investment—only a direct $5 million payment.

Q3. What are the concerns about the Gold Card Visa?

Ans. Critics argue it prioritizes wealth over merit, risks financial misuse, and lacks economic contribution requirements.

Q4. How will the Gold Card Visa impact Indian investors?

Ans. With a $5 million cost, it may not attract many Indians, but it could affect existing Green Card backlogs.

Q5. Will the Gold Card Visa face legal challenges?

Ans. Congress must approve it, and opposition from both parties could lead to legislative and legal hurdles.

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