In a bold move set to reshape the U.S. immigration landscape, former President Donald Trump has announced the introduction of a new “Gold Card” visa—a premium alternative to the traditional Green Card. This elite visa promises “green card privileges plus”, offering a direct route to U.S. citizenship for those who can invest $5 million.
Replacing the EB-5 Visa Program
The Gold Card visa is designed to replace the existing EB-5 investor visa program, which has faced criticism over allegations of misuse and fraud. Unlike the EB-5 program, where investments often flow through private businesses, the new Gold Card program would direct all revenue to the U.S. government, with the potential to generate billions of dollars in funds.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed that the EB-5 program will be eliminated, calling it “plagued by fraud and inefficiencies.” Trump has even suggested that the government could sell up to 10 million Gold Cards to help reduce the national deficit.
Trump stated, “We are going to be selling a Gold Card. It’s going to give you green card privileges plus a route to citizenship, and wealthy people would be coming into our country by buying this card.”
Impact on Indian Nationals
The Gold Card visa will be accessible only to the wealthiest individuals, significantly narrowing options for many Indian professionals seeking U.S. residency.
For Indian tech workers, entrepreneurs, and investors, the key implications are:
- H-1B Visa Holders: If Trump reinstates stricter H-1B policies, competition for these work visas could increase, making it more difficult for Indian professionals to secure jobs in the U.S.
- EB-5 Investor Visa Applicants: If the Gold Card replaces EB-5, the $800,000 investment option may no longer be available, limiting opportunities for middle-tier investors.
- EB-2 & EB-3 Green Card Seekers: These employment-based green card categories already face long backlogs, with wait times stretching into decades for Indian applicants. If H-1B policies become more restrictive, the backlog could worsen further.
Who Can Apply for the Gold Card?
Eligibility:
- Must invest $5 million into the U.S. economy
- Open to H-1B, EB-2, EB-3 visa holders, and other high-net-worth individuals
- No job sponsorship or business investment obligations—just a direct investment
Key Benefit: The Gold Card visa offers a fast track to permanent residency and citizenship, bypassing the lengthy paperwork and employer sponsorship requirements of traditional employment-based green cards.
Alternative U.S. Immigration Options for Indian Nationals
Since the Gold Card’s $5 million requirement is financially unfeasible for most, Indian applicants may consider other pathways:
- O-1 Visa (For Extraordinary Talent)
- Designed for individuals with exceptional abilities in fields such as technology, research, arts, and business.
- Can transition into an EB-1 Green Card, which has significantly shorter processing times compared to EB-2 and EB-3.
- L-1 Visa (For Business Owners & Executives)
- Best suited for Indian entrepreneurs expanding their businesses in the U.S.
- Can lead to a green card under the EB-1C category.
- EB-2 & EB-3 Employment-Based Green Cards
- The most common route for Indian professionals, though it comes with decades-long wait times.
- EB-5 Investor Visa (If It Remains Available)
- Requires a $800,000 investment in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA).
- Provides a relatively fast track to a green card within 3-5 years.
- If Trump replaces the EB-5 with the Gold Card, this option may no longer be available.
The Future of U.S. Immigration Under Trump
With the introduction of the Gold Card visa and potential stricter regulations on H-1B visas, Trump’s proposed immigration policies could significantly impact who gets to live and work in the U.S. While the ultra-wealthy may benefit from this fast-track pathway to citizenship, thousands of skilled professionals could face even greater challenges in securing U.S. residency.
As the details of the Gold Card visa emerge in the coming weeks, the future of employment-based and investment-based immigration remains uncertain.
