President Donald Trump has announced the “Gold Card” visa, a new immigration pathway designed for high-net-worth individuals.
According to the Times of India, the program is intended to replace the long-standing EB-5 investor visa and provide an accelerated route to US citizenship.
What Is the Gold Card Visa?
Under the proposal, foreign nationals can obtain a fast-tracked US residency by investing $5 million. The visa would grant similar rights to those of a Green Card but with quicker access to full citizenship.
“We’re going to be selling a Gold Card,” Trump told reporters. “You have a Green Card; this is a Gold Card — and it’s worth $5 million.”
Impact on Indian Applicants
India has historically been one of the top sources of EB-5 applicants, particularly among H-1B visa holders seeking permanent residency.
With the new Gold Card’s higher investment threshold, access will become limited to ultra-wealthy investors, excluding middle-tier participants who viewed the EB-5 as an attainable alternative.
Why Replace the EB-5 Program?
The EB-5 visa, introduced in 1990, aimed to boost investment and job creation. However, it faced scrutiny for fraud, inefficiency, and misuse.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick supported Trump’s move, stating that “the EB-5 was a way to get a Green Card at a discount.”
What Happens Next?
Further details about the Gold Card program are expected soon. While proponents argue that it will attract higher-quality investment, critics claim it prioritizes wealth over merit-based immigration.
For investors, it may provide a faster path to US citizenship — but only for those who can afford the $5 million ticket.