Image Courtesy : X.com
The U.S. immigration landscape is evolving once again with the proposed Trump Gold Card, a new investor visa that seeks to replace the long-standing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. While both options offer a pathway to U.S. permanent residency, they differ significantly in investment requirements, benefits, and policy considerations.
If you’re a high-net-worth individual exploring U.S. investment immigration, understanding these two programs is critical. Let’s break it down.
What is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program?
The EB-5 visa is an existing investment-based immigration program designed to stimulate the U.S. economy. Established in 1990, it grants foreign investors a Green Card if they meet the following criteria:
- Investment Amount: Minimum of $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1.05 million in other locations.
- Job Creation: The investment must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
- Investment Structure: Funds must be placed in a business enterprise, either through direct investment or a Regional Center.
- Return on Investment: Many EB-5 projects offer a return on investment, though profits can vary.
Key Advantage: Investors can actively participate in the U.S. economy, benefiting from potential business growth while securing a pathway to U.S. permanent residency.
What is Trump’s Gold Card?
Announced in February 2025, the Trump Gold Card is a proposed alternative to the EB-5 visa. Instead of investing in a business, foreign nationals would pay $5 million directly to the U.S. government to receive a fast-tracked path to U.S. residency.
- Investment Amount: $5 million (paid to the U.S. government, not a business).
- No Job Creation Requirement: Unlike EB-5, Gold Card investors do not need to create jobs.
- Expedited Process: Trump has marketed this as a “Green Card-plus” program, suggesting potential perks beyond standard permanent residency.
- Cap on Applicants: The program may be limited to 1 million Gold Cards globally.
- Path to Citizenship: Similar to EB-5, it could eventually lead to U.S. citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
Key Concern: Unlike EB-5, where investments may yield a return, the $5 million is a sunk cost—there’s no expectation of a refund or profit.
EB-5 vs. Gold Card: Key Differences
| Feature | EB-5 Visa | Trump’s Gold Card |
| Investment Amount | $800,000 – $1.05M | $5 Million |
| Investment Type | Business or Regional Center | Direct payment to the U.S. government |
| Job Creation Required? | Yes (10+ U.S. jobs) | No |
| Return on Investment? | Possible | No |
| Residency Benefits | Permanent Green Card | “Green Card-plus” (unclear benefits) |
| Cap on Applicants? | No | Possibly 1M applicants |
| Path to Citizenship? | Yes | Yes |
Potential Challenges and Legal Hurdles
While the Gold Card proposal has generated significant buzz, it’s not yet law. The EB-5 program is established by Congress, meaning any attempt to replace it would require legislative approval. The President cannot unilaterally terminate EB-5, though some legal maneuvers could temporarily suspend it.
Critics of the Gold Card program raise key concerns:
- Is it ethical to “sell” U.S. residency for $5 million?
- Will this primarily benefit ultra-wealthy investors without benefiting the U.S. economy?
- How does this compare to other investment-based visa options globally (such as Canada’s or Portugal’s programs)?
Final Thoughts: Which Program is Right for You?
The EB-5 visa remains a strong option for those willing to invest in U.S. businesses and job creation, particularly at a lower $800,000 entry point. However, if the Gold Card program is approved, it may appeal to ultra-wealthy individuals looking for a simpler, job-free path to residency—albeit at a much higher price tag.
Considering U.S. investor visas? Stay informed on these immigration changes by consulting with an experienced business immigration law firm to evaluate your best path forward.
Contact Information
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 551-291-1154 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.
Contact NPZ Law Group today to ensure a smooth and timely visa renewal process.
Contact Us
For specialty guidance on U.S. and Canadian immigration matters, visit www.visaserve.com or call 551-291-1154. The NPZ Law Group stands ready, willing, and able to assist you with your U.S. and Canadian immigration law needs.
