Trump Announces $5M 'Gold Card' US Visa, Replacing EB-5 Program – Impact on Indian Investors & Immigration Policies

Donald Trump Introduces ‘Gold Card’ US Visa to Replace EB-5: Impact on Indian Investors

In a significant immigration policy shift, United States President Donald Trump has announced the introduction of a new 'Gold Card' visa program. This initiative, requiring a $5 million investment, provides wealthy immigrants with a streamlined path to US citizenship. The move is expected to replace the existing EB-5 visa program, which has been a popular route for Indian investors seeking permanent residency in the US.

Understanding the New ‘Gold Card’ Visa

The Gold Card visa will offer foreign investors a way to secure US citizenship by making a substantial financial commitment. Announcing the plan, President Trump stated, “We’re going to be selling a Gold Card. You have a Green Card; this is a Gold Card. We’re putting a price on that card of $5 million.”

How Does This Affect Indian Investors?

• The EB-5 visa, which currently allows foreign nationals to secure a Green Card by investing in US businesses, has been a preferred choice for high-net-worth individuals in India.
• The new Gold Card program significantly raises the investment requirement from the EB-5’s previous threshold of $800,000 to $1.05 million to a fixed $5 million.
• Many Indian investors who qualified under the EB-5 program may find it challenging to meet this steep financial requirement.

Why Is the EB-5 Program Being Replaced?

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick labeled the EB-5 visa program as “nonsense,” claiming it allowed foreigners to secure a Green Card at an unreasonably low cost. He emphasized that the Trump administration sees the Gold Card as a more exclusive alternative, ensuring that only ultra-high-net-worth individuals can qualify.

What Was the EB-5 Visa Program?

Established in 1990, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program aimed to boost the US economy by encouraging job creation through foreign investment. It was managed by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and granted Green Cards to investors who contributed significantly to American businesses.

Key Takeaways

• The Trump administration has announced a $5 million Gold Card visa, replacing the EB-5 program.
• The initiative is expected to make the path to US citizenship more exclusive.
• Wealthy Indian investors who previously qualified for EB-5 visas may face new financial barriers.
• The policy shift underscores the US government’s focus on attracting ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

As the US tightens its immigration policies, potential investors must reassess their options and consider alternative residency-by-investment programs. Whether the Gold Card visa will gain traction remains to be seen, but it is clear that the landscape of US investor immigration is undergoing a major transformation.

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Categories: EB-5 replacement, gold card US visa, Indian immigration to US, Trump immigration policy, US investor visa