Introduction
In a surprising move, President Donald Trump announced on February 25, 2025, his intention to terminate the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program and introduce a new “Gold Card” visa.
The proposed visa would require a $5 million investment, significantly higher than the current EB-5 program’s $1.8 million standard investment threshold.
The administration claims that the “Trump Gold Card” would replace the 35-year-old EB-5 green card program within two weeks.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that the new program would address fraud issues associated with the current EB-5 program.
Donald Trump - Gold Card Explained !
Unlike the EB-5 program, which requires the creation of at least 10 full-time jobs, President Trump did not mention any job creation requirements for the Gold Card visa. The administration also suggested that the new program would not require congressional approval.
However, legal experts question the President’s authority to unilaterally terminate the EB-5 program, as U.S. federal immigration and nationality law is controlled by Congress and protected under the Constitution.
The EB-5 “Regional Center” program was reauthorized by Congress through 2027 under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022.
Industry stakeholders have expressed surprise at the Gold Card proposal but believe that both the Gold Card and existing options could potentially coexist.
Some experts suggest that the new visa might operate in parallel with the EB-5 program rather than replace it entirely
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Final Take!
President Donald Trump’s proposed Gold Card visa has sparked debate over the future of immigrant investor programs in the United States.
While the administration touts potential benefits, questions remain about its legality and impact on existing programs.
As discussions continue, the fate of both the EB-5 program and the proposed Gold Card hangs in the balance, with significant implications for U.S. immigration policy and foreign investment.
