Green Card
through Investment
A new immigration proposal introduces the Gold Card visa, granting permanent residency and citizenship to foreign investors whose investments create or sustain US jobs to become permanent residents.
Trump’s Gold Card Citizenship Proposal:
How It Works and Who Will Benefit
A new immigration proposal introduces the Gold Card visa, granting permanent residency and citizenship to foreign investors whose investments create or sustain US jobs to become permanent residents.
Although this recent immigration initiative presents a unique opportunity for high-net-worth individuals, the Gold Card is only a proposal and not yet an option. Nonetheless, let’s explore how the Gold Card proposal works and who will benefit from it.
How the Gold Card Proposal Works
Details about how the newly proposed Gold Card would work in practice remain unclear. Yet, generally, it seeks to replace the complicated visa eligibility requirements and other tightened restrictions of the EB-5 program with a more streamlined approach.
For instance, the specifics of the job requirements need further clarification. Thus far, we know that eligibility for a Gold Card primarily depends on capital investments. Applicants must make a $5 million investment to obtain green card privileges and even US citizenship. This investment requirement is considerably higher than imposed in the EB-5 visa program.
However, eligibility for a Gold Card primarily depends on capital investments. Applicants must make a $5 million investment to obtain green card privileges and even US citizenship. This investment requirement is considerably higher than imposed in the EB-5 visa program.
Still, a possible advantage is that the Gold Card simplifies the process for foreign investors who commonly struggle with bureaucratic hurdles and complex rules in the existing EB-5 visa classification.
The current EB-5 program provides a pathway for immigrant investors to invest between $800,000 and $1.05 million and become eligible for a green card, depending on the investment location. However, the regulatory requirements and economic conditions of EB-5 visas can be complex for investors to navigate. Fraud and abuse have also become increasingly prevalent.
Who Will Benefit from Gold Card Visa
High-net-worth entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors seeking US permanent residency will benefit directly from the Gold Card visa. Unlike other US visas, there may be no caps for the newly proposed visa program.
For instance, the existing EB-5 visa cap is less than 10,000 annually. The 7 percent per country cap also extends wait times for applicants from countries with high visa demand. With no cap on Gold Cards, foreign investors awaiting green card availability can have a chance for quicker visa access.
Potential Legal Challenges to Consider
Despite its potential, the Gold Card initiative can be subject to numerous legal challenges. The administration pointed out that it would not require congressional approval. However, it’s worth noting that Congress extended the EB-5 program until 2022.
Given this, implementing the Gold Card program to replace the EB-5 program would likely face legal scrutiny if it bypassed Congress. It’s worth pointing out that Congress alone has the authority to pass immigration laws governing admission, exclusion, and naturalization.
Moreover, the proposed system for the Gold Cards would likely need strict financial audits to verify the legitimacy of an applicant’s $5 million investment. As a result, maintaining rigorous security standards during the verification process while providing a streamlined experience can be challenging for immigration authorities.
As with any new initiative, potential applicants are expected to have questions about the Gold Card program’s implementation, costs, benefits, and legitimacy. Hence, applicants must stay informed and obtain professional counsel before pursuing this potential immigration pathway.
What You Can Do Right Now
Although it has attracted interest since Trump’s announcement on February 25, 2025, the Gold Card initiative is in its early stages, so the proposal’s details remain unclear.
For instance, the program’s implementation is uncertain. However, given the proposal’s intent to alter or replace the EB-5 program, congressional approval will likely be necessary, and the legislative process may span several years.
The newly proposed visa program continues to be a central issue in the US debate, raising questions related to fairness, legality, and the direction of immigration policy. As it progresses, interested investors must proactively consult a reliable Los Angeles immigration lawyer.
Investing in an EB-5 project now might also be a good opportunity for foreign investors to become eligible for permanent residency or citizenship at a lower cost. Connect with ALG Lawyers now to stay informed about the Gold Card proposal and other visa options.