United States President Donald Trump has introduced a new residency initiative called the “Gold Card,” offering a streamlined pathway to American citizenship for affluent immigrants. This program is expected to replace the existing EB-5 investor visa, which has been a popular route for foreign investors, including many Indians, seeking permanent residency in the US.

The Gold Card visa is poised to reshape the US immigration landscape, particularly for Indian applicants who have historically relied on the EB-5 visa for Green Card eligibility.

 What is the Gold Card US Visa?

The Gold Card visa provides a direct route to US citizenship for individuals willing to invest $5 million in the country. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump highlighted that this visa would offer the same benefits as a Green Card but with an accelerated path to citizenship for those who can meet the financial requirements.

“We’re introducing a Gold Card. You have a Green Card; now, there’s a Gold Card. We’re setting the price for this card at around $5 million,” Trump told reporters.

How Will the Gold Card Affect Indian Applicants?

Indians have been among the top beneficiaries of the EB-5 visa program, especially H-1B visa holders seeking permanent residency. Under the EB-5 program, investors were required to invest a minimum of $1.05 million (or $800,000 in targeted employment areas) to qualify for a Green Card. However, the Gold Card’s significantly higher investment threshold of $5 million makes it accessible only to ultra-wealthy individuals.

This shift could impact many Indian investors who viewed the EB-5 program as a more affordable option compared to other employment-based visas. The increased financial requirement may deter middle-tier investors, potentially pushing them toward alternative visa categories or investment opportunities in other countries.

Why is the EB-5 Visa Being Replaced?

The EB-5 visa program was introduced in 1990 to stimulate capital investment and job creation in the US. However, it has faced criticism over the years due to allegations of fraud, misuse, and loopholes that allowed investors to secure residency without delivering the promised economic benefits.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick echoed Trump’s sentiments, stating, “The EB-5 program was flawed and essentially a low-cost route to a Green Card.” Trump added, “We’re replacing this flawed program with the Trump Gold Card.”

What’s Next for the Gold Card Program?

Further details about the Gold Card program are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks. The proposal has already sparked debate, particularly regarding its accessibility and potential impact on global investment. While the Trump administration claims the program will create a more equitable system, critics argue that it prioritizes wealth over merit-based immigration policies.

With the EB-5 visa set to be phased out, prospective investors will need to carefully assess their options. For some, the Gold Card may offer a faster route to US citizenship—but at a significantly higher cost.

Key Takeaways

• The Gold Card visa requires a $5 million investment for an expedited path to US citizenship.
• It is expected to replace the EB-5 visa, which had a lower investment threshold.
• Indian investors, who were major beneficiaries of the EB-5 program, may find the new financial requirements prohibitive.
• The program has sparked debate over its focus on wealth-based immigration rather than merit-based criteria.

As the Gold Card program takes shape, its implications for global investors, particularly Indians, will become clearer. For now, it represents a significant shift in US immigration policy, with a focus on attracting high-net-worth individuals.