Trump’s Gold Card Visa Plan: Will It Be A Game-Changer for Indians Eyeing EB-5 Green Cards?

The recent announcement by US President Donald Trump regarding the introduction of a gold card investor visa programme is set to affect many Indians. This new scheme targets wealthy immigrants seeking US green cards or permanent residency through the EB-5 visa route. The gold card, which will replace the current EB-5 programme, is priced at $5 million per applicant.

President Trump explained that this initiative would offer "green card privileges plus" and provide a pathway to US citizenship. He mentioned that the programme is ready for launch in two weeks. "They'll be wealthy and they'll be successful, and they'll be spending a lot of money and paying a lot of taxes and employing a lot of people, and we think it's going to be extremely successful," he stated about the gold card programme.

Concerns Over New Visa Programme

Ajay Bhutoria, a Democrat from Silicon Valley advocating for immigration reform, has expressed concerns about this proposal. He highlighted that it seems like a pay-to-play scheme that overlooks those who have been integral to the US workforce. "The idea that you can buy your way into a green card and citizenship for $5 million, while millions of skilled workers—engineers, doctors, tech experts—languish in a backlog that stretches over 50 years for some, especially from countries like India, is a slap in the face," Bhutoria remarked.

Bhutoria further criticised replacing the EB-5 programme with the gold card initiative. He argued that it prioritises wealth over merit and does not address existing backlogs or support families inclusively. "It's not about building a merit-based system—it's about who can afford the entry fee," he added.

EB-5 Visa Programme Details

The EB-5 visa is an immigrant investor programme managed by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It allows eligible investors to obtain US green cards by investing in new commercial enterprises within the country. These investments must create at least ten full-time jobs for Americans.

The minimum investment required under the EB-5 programme is $1,050,000 or $800,000 if invested in specific infrastructure projects or targeted employment areas. Applicants can invest directly or through regional centres approved by USCIS.

US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick confirmed alongside President Trump that this new gold card initiative would replace the existing EB-5 visa programme. The administration believes this change will attract wealthy individuals who will contribute significantly to the economy through spending and job creation.

This development has sparked debate among stakeholders regarding its implications on fairness and opportunity within immigration policies. While some see potential economic benefits from attracting affluent investors, others argue it undermines efforts towards creating an equitable system for all aspiring immigrants.