VisaLex Explains: Trump’s Proposed $5 Million “Gold Card” vs. the EB-5 Program – What Investors Need to Know
President Donald Trump has proposed a new immigration pathway, nicknamed the “Gold Card”, allowing wealthy investors to obtain U.S. permanent residency by making a $5 million payment directly to the U.S. government. The proposal has stirred global attention, especially among high-net-worth individuals from countries like India.
How would the “Gold Card” work?
- Investment amount: $5 million, paid directly to the federal government
- Green Card + Citizenship path: Provides immediate permanent residency and a fast-track to citizenship
- No job creation requirement: Unlike the EB-5 program, the Gold Card wouldn’t require investors to create or maintain U.S. jobs
- Simplified process: Trump promises fewer bureaucratic hurdles, no need for active business participation or relocation
- Tax advantage: No obligation to declare worldwide income—only U.S.-sourced income would be taxed
What about the EB-5 Program?
The EB-5 Investor Visa Program remains fully operational and continues to offer a structured, reliable path to U.S. residency:
- Minimum investment: $1.05 million, or $800,000 in targeted employment areas (TEAs)
- Job creation requirement: Must create or preserve at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs
- Established legal framework: EB-5 has a long track record and is backed by regulations, with protections for investors
- Program validity: Officially reauthorized through September 30, 2027, with grandfathering provisions for petitions filed by September 30, 2026
Potential impacts and key considerations
- Legislative approval required: A U.S. president cannot simply abolish or replace the EB-5 without congressional support. The Gold Card would need to pass through the legislative process to become law.
- Feasibility concerns: Trump suggests the government could issue up to one million Gold Cards, but no similar program worldwide has ever reached that scale.
- Criticism and risks: Some argue the proposal could increase the risk of money laundering, exacerbate wealth inequality, and further “monetize” the U.S. immigration system.
- Impact on EB-5 market: While the Gold Card may appeal to ultra-wealthy individuals, the EB-5 program remains attractive for those looking for a proven investment-based route to a Green Card.
Quick Comparison
| Category | Gold Card (Proposed) | EB-5 (Current Program) |
|---|---|---|
| Investment | $5 million, paid to the government | $800k–$1.05M in job-creating projects |
| Job creation requirement | None | Minimum of 10 U.S. jobs |
| Legal structure | Not yet legislated | Fully regulated & active |
| Taxation | U.S.-source income only | Global income taxed as resident |
| Complexity | Simple process (if passed) | Involves project review & due diligence |
| Processing time | Undefined (still a proposal) | Known timelines, currently active |
What investors should keep in mind
- The Gold Card is still just a proposal—there is no approved law, no timeline, and no regulations in place yet.
- EB-5 remains secure and fully operational, with legislative protections through 2027.
- Time-sensitive opportunity: Investors considering EB-5 should act now to lock in protections under the current law (the “grandfather clause”) before September 2026.
Why work with VisaLex?
At VisaLex, we help you:
- Stay ahead of immigration trends like the proposed Gold Card
- Navigate the EB-5 process from project selection to legal and financial structuring
- Develop a custom strategy that aligns with your residency goals, wealth management, and tax planning needs
Final Thoughts
Trump’s $5 million Gold Card is generating headlines, but it’s not a reality—yet. For now, the EB-5 visa remains the most structured, secure, and proven path to U.S. residency through investment.
If you’re considering residency through investment, now is the right time to act—and VisaLex is here to guide you through every step of the process.