Donald Trump's Gold Card Visa Program

Donald Trump’s Gold Card Visa Program

Donald Trump's Gold Card Visa Program aims to attract skilled professionals and high-net-worth individuals by offering long-term residency benefits. Read this article to know the Potential Benefits for the U.S.

Context: U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a new visa initiative called the “Gold Card” program, which offers permanent residency and a pathway to citizenship for foreign investors.

About Gold Card Visa Program

Flat Fee: Instead of requiring investments in businesses or job creation, applicants would simply pay $5 million to the U.S. government.
Fast-Track Green Card: This program would grant immediate Green Card privileges and provide a path to U.S. citizenship.
Replacement for EB-5: This program is set to replace the EB-5 immigrant investor visa scheme

Potential Benefits for the U.S.

Increased Investment in U.S. Economy: High-net-worth individuals could boost real estate, luxury markets, and businesses.
Simplification of Immigration Process: Eliminating job creation requirements could reduce bureaucracy.
Reduction in Fraud Risks: Since the EB-5 program was accused of abuse, a straightforward high-cost purchase model may be easier to regulate.

Indians & the Gold Card

In FY 2023, only 631 Indians received Green Cards through EB-5, despite its much lower investment requirement.
Given the higher $5 million cost (₹43+ crore), it is unlikely that many Indian investors will be attracted to the Gold Card program.

EB-5 Program

It was introduced in 1990.
It grants Green Cards to foreign investors who invest at least $1.05 million ($800,000 in specific areas) in U.S. businesses and create at least 10 jobs.