Trump’s $5,000,000 Green Card for the Elite
President Donald Trump recently introduced a controversial immigration proposal: a “gold card” that would grant wealthy investors a path to U.S. citizenship for a $5 million fee. While the initiative has sparked excitement among supporters, its implementation is far more complicated than it appears.
President Trump defended the initiative, saying:
“We’re gonna be selling a gold card. You have a green card, this is a gold card. We’re gonna put a price on that card of about $5 million, and that’s going to give you green card privileges, plus, it’s gonna be a route to citizenship, and wealthy people will be coming into our country.”
As usual, Trump’s salesmanship often exceeds his grasp on reality.
Trump’s “gold card” visa is introduced at a time when his administration is tightening other immigration pathways, particularly for those who cannot afford the high price tag. While Trump has previously supported employment-based visas like the H-1B, his latest move prioritizes wealth over skills or merit.
Polls indicate that while voters support deportation of undocumented criminals, they also favor structured legal immigration pathways. This policy could further polarize the debate on immigration reform.
While it offers wealthy foreigners a fast track to U.S. residency and citizenship, it also introduces a significant tax break that is not available to American citizens.
Below, we break down the key details of the program, it’s likely legal outcome, its implications for U.S. taxation, and how it compares to other global investment visas.
Key Highlights of the Gold Card Proposal
A Hidden Tax Loophole
One of the most controversial aspects of the Gold Card Visa is its tax treatment. Unlike American citizens and green card holders, who must pay taxes on their worldwide income, gold card holders would not be subject to U.S. taxation on income earned overseas. Those with lawful permanent resident status are also required to pay taxes on their global income, highlighting a significant difference in tax obligations compared to gold card holders.
Key Tax Implications:
- Exemption from global income tax: Wealthy individuals with businesses abroad can shield their foreign earnings from U.S. taxation.
- Creates dual classes of taxpayers: U.S. citizens and permanent residents continue to be taxed on worldwide income, while gold card holders enjoy a unique exemption.
- Encourages foreign investment in U.S. assets: With tax-free overseas earnings, gold card holders could funnel wealth into U.S. businesses and properties.
Attorney Laura Foote Reiff (Greenberg Traurig) on the tax impact: “This would be a big departure in tax treatment. Many wealthy individuals who are invested in U.S. companies or have families here do not become permanent residents because they don’t want the tax consequences.”
Can Trump Create a New Visa Program Alone?
Legal Hurdles
One of the biggest challenges facing Trump’s Gold Card proposal is legality. The U.S. president does not have unilateral power to create a new visa category or a citizenship pathway. According to U.S. immigration laws:
- Congress must approve any new visa program by passing legislation.
- Past executive actions, such as DACA and the CHNV parole program, only protected individuals from deportation but did not grant legal status or a citizenship track.
- Legal experts argue that the administration lacks the authority to replace or abolish the EB-5 program without Congressional approval.
Legal and Policy Concerns
Despite the administration’s confidence, legal experts question the legitimacy of the program:
- Congressional Approval Required: The EB-5 program was established by Congress in 1990. Experts argue that Trump cannot unilaterally replace it without legislative action.
- Expert Opinions:
- Michael Wildes, immigration attorney and professor, asserts that “Congress must pass an act allowing for this new vehicle.”
- Jorge Loweree of the American Immigration Council says modifying EB-5 terms without congressional approval is “blatantly illegal.”
- David J. Bier from the Cato Institute acknowledges the potential benefits of selling green cards but warns that Trump cannot legally eliminate the existing EB-5 program.
Challenges and Approval Process
Congressional Hurdles
- Any major immigration policy change requires approval from Congress.
- While Republicans currently control both houses, some members may oppose the program to avoid the perception of “selling” American citizenship.
- Democrats are expected to push back against the initiative, citing concerns about equity and fairness in immigration policy.
Legal and Practical Challenges
1. Presidential Authority Limits
- Congress Controls Immigration Laws: The EB-5 program was created by Congress, and the president cannot unilaterally eliminate or replace it without legislative approval. Unlike the EB-5 program, which requires investments to create jobs, the Gold Card does not have such a requirement.
- Green Card Caps Set by Law: U.S. law imposes annual limits on the number of green cards issued. Trump cannot exceed these caps without congressional approval.
- Legal Uncertainty for Investors: Wealthy immigrants may hesitate to pay $5 million for a program lacking clear legal standing.
2. Feasibility of Selling One Million Green Cards
- Current EB-5 Investor Interest is Low: Fewer than 5,000 people per year apply for the EB-5 visa, which requires an $800,000 investment.
- Limited Global Market: Only about 2.3 million people worldwide have $5 million in net assets, with one-third already living in the U.S.
- Alternative Residency Options: Other countries, such as Portugal and Canada, offer investment-based residency for far lower costs.
How Would the Gold Card Visa Work?
While the full details are expected to be released in the coming weeks, here’s what is currently known about the program:
- Cost: A one-time payment of $5 million to the U.S. government.
- Privileges: Immediate Green Card status with a direct path to U.S. citizenship.
- No Business Investment Required: Unlike the EB-5 visa, the Gold Card does not mandate an investment in U.S. businesses or the creation of American jobs.
- Regulation: Expected to be administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in coordination with the Department of Commerce and the Department of State.
- Processing Times: Likely to be expedited to attract high-net-worth individuals quickly.
The program is designed to attract wealthy foreign investors who can afford the $5 million fee.
EB-5 Visa vs. Gold Card Visa: Key Differences
Feature | EB-5 Visa | Gold Card Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Investment | $1.05 million ($800,000 in some cases) | $5 million flat fee |
| Job Creation Requirement | Must create at least 10 U.S. jobs | None |
| Processing Time | Can take years | Expected to be much faster |
| Type of Investment | Investment in U.S. businesses | Direct payment to the government |
| Path to Citizenship | Available | Available |
Potential Benefits of the Gold Card Program
The Gold Card visa could offer several advantages for both investors and the U.S. economy:
✅ Economic Boost: Wealthy individuals may bring substantial capital into the U.S. economy, stimulating real estate, luxury markets, and other industries.
✅ Simplified Immigration Path: Eliminates bureaucratic hurdles that come with the EB-5 program, making it easier for investors to obtain residency.
✅ Fraud Reduction: The EB-5 program has faced criticism for fraud and misuse, whereas a direct purchase model could mitigate such risks.
✅ Competitive Advantage: Other nations, such as Canada and Portugal, offer investor visas, and the U.S. could attract more high-net-worth individuals by offering a streamlined process.
Background on EB-5
Established in 1990, the EB-5 visa program was intended to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors. However, the Trump Administration has criticized it for being susceptible to fraud and not effectively serving its purpose.
By raising the investment threshold and implementing stricter vetting processes, the Gold Card aims to attract higher-quality investors and reduce instances of fraud. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that the Gold Card would replace the current EB-5 program for foreign investors, though specific details remain scarce.
In 2022, Congress reauthorized the EB-5 program through September 30, 2027, with the passage of the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA). This legislation introduced significant changes, including stricter compliance requirements for regional centers, increased transparency, new investor protections, and more rigorous fund tracking and reporting. Investors who filed under the RIA are safeguarded from future modifications, regardless of subsequent changes.
President Trump’s announcement of the Gold Card referenced abuse and fraud in the existing program but did not acknowledge the improvements and enhanced security introduced by the RIA. He stated, “We’re going to be putting a price on that card of about $5 million, and that’s going to give you green card privileges, plus.” The specifics of the “plus” remain undefined.
The current EB-5 Program remains fully authorized through September 30, 2027.
Does the President Have the Authority to Terminate the Program?
The President does not have the authority to unilaterally terminate or override an act of Congress, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Only Congress holds the power to pass immigration laws that control admission, exclusion, and naturalization, as granted by Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18 of the Constitution. The Supreme Court has also affirmed that Congress possesses “plenary” power over immigration, meaning it holds exclusive authority over the passage of immigration laws.
Therefore, any attempt to dismantle the EB-5 program would require new legislation passed by Congress. The President can propose new immigration legislation, but only Congress can enact new laws and amend existing ones. The President also has the authority to enforce immigration laws through agencies like U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). Any attempt to terminate the EB-5 program without legislative approval would likely face immediate legal challenges.
The EB-5 community collaborated closely with Congress and USCIS to restore integrity and stability to the program after years of challenges that damaged its reputation. The sudden proposal to revamp the program—without prior notice—has come as a shock, particularly to regional centers that have invested significant time and resources to improve themselves post-RIA. This abrupt change has also left industry participants and investors in limbo, especially those who have already filed for green cards and have been waiting in line for years, uncertain about how these changes will impact their immigration prospects.
Expert Opinions on Gold Card
Sharvari Dalal-Dheini, a senior director at the American Immigration Lawyers Association, emphasizes that “Congress would have to legislate a new program,” meaning the administration cannot implement this policy on its own.
Immigration attorney Charles Kuck also asserts:
"The Trump administration has no legal power to create a visa category."
Immigration analysts have questioned whether Trump has the authority to unilaterally end the EB-5 visa and replace it with his “gold card” program.
David Bier (Cato Institute, on X):
“The president can’t shut down the EB-5 program, increase the minimum investment to $5 million, or turn it into a direct payment to his administration.”
International Refugee Council’s 2021 Report:
“Programs like this have been used by criminals to gain access to multiple countries and establish illegal enterprises.”
Democratic Representative Ro Khanna has strongly criticized President Donald Trump’s proposed “gold card” visa program, which aims to grant U.S. residency to foreign investors willing to pay $5 million.
Khanna challenged the idea that wealth should be a determining factor for U.S. residency, pointing to successful immigrants who built companies without vast personal wealth.
“You don’t need to have $5 million in your bank account to build a successful company in America. Just look at Sergey Brin, Sundar Pichai, or Satya Nadella,” Khanna stated to Newsweek.
Khanna’s Criticism: A Call for Merit-Based Immigration
Khanna supports immigration policies that attract skilled workers while preventing abuse in programs like H-1B.
“We should welcome talented workers to America who will bring their creativity and productivity while also reforming the H1-B program to prevent abuses,” he stated.
This contrasts with Trump’s wealth-based approach, which critics say disproportionately benefits the elite while shutting out middle-class entrepreneurs and skilled professionals.
- Dr. Kristin Surak (London School of Economics):
- The U.S. economy is so large that a $5 million visa program would have minimal economic impact.
- If priced at $50 million per visa, there would still be strong demand.
- Unlike smaller nations, the U.S. may not face the same corruption risks associated with golden visas.
- Steve Yale-Loehr (Immigration Attorney & Cornell University Professor):
- Existing EB-5 visas require proof of lawful financial sources.
- The Gold Card program would likely require similar anti-fraud measures.
- However, public backlash could be significant, as many Americans may oppose selling residency and citizenship to the wealthy.
- Marco A. Durazo (Political Scientist, University of San Francisco):
- The program contradicts Trump’s stance on “legal immigration the right way.”
- Raises ethical concerns over whether the U.S. is selling residency to the highest bidder.
- Could complicate the administration’s broader immigration reform efforts.
Dominic Volek, Henley & Partners: “The introduction of the gold card visa program represents a unique opportunity for high-net-worth individuals looking to secure U.S. residence with a pathway to citizenship. The U.S. remains the undisputed leader in private wealth creation and accumulation.”
Concerns and Controversies
Despite its potential benefits, the Gold Card program raises several ethical and legal concerns:
❌ Selling U.S. Citizenship? The program may be perceived as putting American residency and citizenship up for sale, favoring the ultra-rich over skilled immigrants.
❌ No Job Creation Requirement: Unlike the EB-5 visa, the Gold Card does not require investors to contribute to job growth or business development in the U.S.
❌ National Security Risks: The program could attract individuals seeking to launder money or gain influence in the U.S. government.
❌ Foreign Influence: Some worry that allowing wealthy foreign nationals to easily obtain U.S. citizenship could lead to undue influence from foreign governments.
Where Did the 250,000 Figure Come From?
Secretary of US Department of Commerce, Lutnick, speaking on Fox News with Bret Baier, asserted that 250,000 people are already in line for the Gold Card visa. However, data from the U.S. government suggests a much lower number of pending applicants under similar visa programs.
- The current EB-5 backlog is estimated to be between 24,000 and 60,000 applicants—far from 250,000.
- The total global population of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (those worth over $30 million) is approximately 424,000, with 277,000 living outside the U.S. (Source: CNBC).
- It is unclear how many individuals within this demographic would be willing or able to invest $5 million for U.S. residency.
No Sign-Up System in Place
Despite the claims of widespread interest, there is currently no official way to apply for a Gold Card visa.
- No registration portal exists.
- The White House, Commerce Department, and Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have not provided application details.
- The program is expected to launch within two weeks, but no clear framework has been released.
For now, potential applicants must wait for official updates from USCIS and the Commerce Department.
Impact on Indian Investors
In 2023, only 631 Indians obtained Green Cards through the EB-5 program, which required a significantly lower investment than the proposed $5 million Gold Card. Given the steep price, it remains uncertain whether the Gold Card will appeal to a large number of Indian investors.
However, for ultra-high-net-worth individuals in India, the opportunity for fast-tracked residency and U.S. citizenship could still be an attractive proposition.
The Economic Argument: Revenue vs. Risks
Trump and his Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick argue that the $5 million investment from gold cardholders would bring significant revenue into the U.S. economy. They claim:
- Increased Tax Revenue: Wealthy investors would contribute more in taxes.
- Foreign Investment Boost: More capital would enter U.S. businesses and real estate.
- Deficit Reduction: The $5 million fees could help lower the national deficit.
Potential Risks:
However, economic and immigration experts have raised several concerns:
- Increased Financial Crimes: A 2021 International Monetary Fund (IMF) report warned that similar programs worldwide have led to money laundering and financial fraud.
- Criminal Exploitation: Wealthy individuals linked to organized crime could use the program to secure U.S. residency.
- Inflationary Impact: Real estate markets could see artificial price surges as investors pour in capital to qualify.
Political Ramifications
- Republican Support: Some conservatives praise the proposal as an innovative approach to reducing the national debt.
- Democratic Opposition: Many Democrats and immigration advocates criticize it as a “pay-to-play” scheme that favors the rich while ignoring family-based immigration and skilled labor pathways.
- Bipartisan Skepticism: Even some Republican lawmakers remain hesitant, questioning whether the program would truly be a viable economic solution.
How It Compares to Other Investment Visas
At $5 million, the U.S. Gold Card Visa would be one of the most expensive in the world. Here’s how it stacks up against other countries:
|
Country |
Investment Requirement |
Key Benefits |
| Singapore | $7.5M (USD) | Fast-track to permanent residency |
| New Zealand | $5.7M (USD) | No quota on applications |
| Portugal | $500K (USD) | EU residency with Schengen access |
| Malta | $750K (USD) | EU passport within 1 year |
| UAE | $2.7M (USD) | No income tax on any earnings |
Most countries’ programs cost under $1 million, making the U.S. visa a premium option. However, with the built-in tax exemption, it may still attract high demand.
Expected Demand & Global Wealth Migration Trends
According to Henley & Partners, around 135,000 millionaires are expected to migrate globally in 2025, with the U.S. and UAE being the top destinations. However, despite Trump’s claim that the U.S. could sell “a million” gold cards, experts estimate demand will be in the thousands, not hundreds of thousands.
Key Stats:
While the program could attract foreign billionaires, immigration attorneys believe most ultra-wealthy individuals are unlikely to uproot their lives unless the tax advantages are overwhelmingly beneficial.
Who Benefits Most?
The gold card is particularly attractive to:
- Global business owners with significant overseas earnings.
- Foreign investors looking to enter the U.S. market.
- Tech companies seeking to secure visas for top international talent.
- Wealthy retirees who want U.S. residency but avoid tax burdens.
Trump claims companies like Apple and Nvidia will benefit, as they struggle to secure visas for top talent from India, China, and Europe. However, the $5 million price tag makes it inaccessible to most skilled workers.
Cato Institute’s “Gold Card” Concept
Economists have long discussed selling green cards to immigrants as an alternative to bureaucratic visa programs. The Cato Institute’s 2019 proposal suggested creating a “Gold Card” that would:
- Simplify the immigration process by allowing immigrants to pay a tariff instead of navigating complex visa rules.
- Generate revenue for the U.S. government to help reduce the federal deficit.
- Exclude a direct path to citizenship, focusing on legal residency instead.
While this idea has merit, Trump’s version diverges by making an extreme price jump and promising citizenship, raising significant economic and legal concerns.
The EB-5 Investor Visa Program: Strengths and Weaknesses
Current EB-5 Program Requirements
- Investment Amount: Between $800,000 and $1.05 million, depending on location.
- Job Creation: Investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
- Processing Time: Long and bureaucratic, with many applications taking years.
- Annual Cap: 9,940 visas, including spouses and children of investors.
EB-5 Challenges
- Backlogs: Around 24,000 investors are currently waiting due to visa caps.
- High Rejection Rates: Since 2007, over 20% of applicants have been denied at the initial stage.
- Limited Appeal: Many investors prefer more flexible residency-by-investment programs offered by other countries.
Trump’s Gold Card vs. EB-5: A Comparison
|
Feature |
EB-5 Visa Program |
Trump’s Gold Card Proposal |
| Investment Cost | $800,000+ | $5 million |
| Legal Path to Citizenship | Yes (after 5 years) | Unclear legality |
| Job Creation Requirement | Yes (10 jobs) | No |
| Annual Cap | 9,940 visas | No cap stated |
| Investor Benefits | Possible return on investment | Total loss of $5M |
| Legislative Authority | Established by Congress | Legally dubious |
Economic Implications of the Gold Card Plan
1. Potential Revenue and Deficit Reduction
- If one million investors paid $5 million each, the U.S. could raise $5 trillion.
- However, demand is unlikely to reach this level, making revenue projections unrealistic.
2. Economic Growth Considerations
- EB-5 generates jobs: Investments must create at least 10 jobs per applicant.
- Trump’s plan lacks economic stimulation: Funds would go directly to the government, rather than into businesses and job creation.
3. Global Alternatives for Wealthy Investors
Many other countries offer residency through investment at significantly lower costs:
- Canada: Start-up visa program with a $200,000 investment.
- Portugal: Golden Visa with a $280,000 investment.
- New Zealand: Investor Visa with a $2 million investment.
Given these alternatives, Trump’s plan would likely struggle to attract applicants.
Would Investors Pay $5 Million for U.S. Residency?
Most high-net-worth individuals have better immigration options:
- E-2 Visa: Allows investment in a U.S. business with far lower capital requirements.
- L-1 Visa: Enables multinational executives to transfer to the U.S.
- O-1 Visa: Available to individuals with extraordinary abilities.
Without strong legal assurances, investors are unlikely to risk $5 million on a legally questionable program.
How Golden Visas Impact Economies
According to migration consultancy Henley & Partners, over 100 countries have implemented golden visa programs, with some experiencing a noticeable economic impact:
- Portugal & Greece (2022): Golden visas contributed 10-15% of foreign direct investment (FDI).
- Cyprus: The program accounted for nearly 5% of the country’s GDP before its termination.
- U.S. Comparison: Given the size of the U.S. economy, experts argue that the impact of a $5 million visa investment per applicant would be negligible at a macroeconomic level.
Concerns Over Criminal Activity
Transparency International, a German NGO, has flagged golden visa programs as particularly vulnerable to financial crimes. Past cases in Europe have revealed that wealthy individuals with questionable backgrounds exploited these schemes:
- U.K. (2008-2022): The British government canceled its golden visa program in 2022 after investigations found that “corrupt elites” were gaining access.
- Cyprus: Authorities revoked visas from Russian oligarchs who had misrepresented their backgrounds or were involved in financial crimes.
- International Concerns: Transparency International calls for stricter regulations or outright bans on golden visa schemes worldwide.
Global Perspective: How Other Countries Handle Investment Visas
The U.S. is not alone in offering residency-for-investment programs. Other countries have similar initiatives:
- Canada: Requires a $1.2 million investment for permanent residency.
- United Kingdom: Previously had a “Tier 1 Investor Visa” (discontinued due to fraud concerns).
- Portugal & Greece: Offer “Golden Visas” with real estate investment starting at €250,000.
- European Union Crackdown: The EU is pressuring member nations to eliminate such programs over concerns about money laundering and tax evasion.
Unanswered Questions and Concerns
What Happens to Existing EB-5 Applicants?
- Thousands of investors are already in the process of obtaining EB-5 visas.
- Legal experts warn that abruptly ending the program could cause financial losses for investors and harm economic development projects that rely on foreign capital.
Would the Gold Card Program Be Vulnerable to Corruption?
- Critics worry that “selling citizenship” could attract criminals and corrupt individuals looking for a safe haven.
- Transparency International CEO Maíra Martini warns that “it could become a gateway for money laundering.”
- Commerce Secretary Lutnick insists that applicants would undergo thorough vetting but has yet to specify how this would be conducted.
How Would Foreign Workers and Students Be Affected?
- Trump suggested that companies might be able to purchase gold cards for foreign recruits, but no details have been provided on how this would work.
- Immigration advocates question whether such a program would extend to skilled workers and graduates from U.S. universities.
FAQ on Trump’s Gold Card
1. What is the Gold Card visa program? The Gold Card is a proposed U.S. visa program that grants permanent residency and a pathway to citizenship to foreign nationals who invest $5 million directly into the U.S. Treasury. This program aims to attract wealthy individuals to boost the U.S. economy and reduce the national deficit.
2. How does the Gold Card differ from the existing EB-5 visa program? The EB-5 program requires a minimum investment of $800,000 to $1.05 million in a U.S. business that creates at least ten full-time jobs for U.S. workers. In contrast, the Gold Card requires a $5 million payment directly to the U.S. government without specific job creation mandates. The Gold Card is intended to replace the EB-5 program.
3. What are the eligibility criteria for the Gold Card? Applicants must invest $5 million and undergo a vetting process to ensure they are “world-class global citizens.” Specific eligibility requirements have not been fully detailed.
4. Does the Gold Card provide a direct path to U.S. citizenship? Yes, the Gold Card offers permanent residency with a pathway to citizenship, similar to other green card holders. However, the exact timeline and process for citizenship have not been specified.
5. Are there any residency requirements for Gold Card holders? Details about residency requirements for Gold Card holders have not been disclosed.
6. Can corporations apply for the Gold Card to bring in high-skilled employees? Yes, corporations can “purchase” Gold Cards for $5 million to obtain U.S. residency for high-skilled or highly educated employees.
7. Will Gold Card holders be subject to U.S. taxes? Gold Card holders are expected to pay U.S. taxes on income derived from within the United States. Tax obligations on global income have not been clarified.
8. How does the Gold Card compare to similar programs in other countries? The $5 million investment requirement makes the Gold Card one of the most expensive investor visa programs globally. Other countries offer residency or citizenship for lower investments, often around $300,000.
9. What impact could the Gold Card have on the U.S. housing market? Experts warn that if the program allows investments in real estate, it could drive up home prices, especially in prime locations, exacerbating housing affordability issues.
10. Is the Gold Card program legally authorized? There are questions about the program’s legality, as significant changes to visa programs typically require congressional approval.
11. When will the Gold Card program be implemented? The administration has indicated that the program could be launched within two weeks of the announcement, but specific dates have not been confirmed.
12. Can individuals from all countries apply for the Gold Card? The program is designed to attract individuals from all over the world. However, it is unclear if there will be restrictions for citizens of certain countries.
13. Will the Gold Card program face opposition? The program may face opposition due to concerns about its impact on the housing market, potential for increased tax evasion, and the high cost of entry.
14. How will the funds from the Gold Card program be used? The $5 million payments are intended to reduce the national deficit. Specific allocations of the funds have not been detailed.
15. Are there any job creation requirements for Gold Card applicants? Unlike the EB-5 program, the Gold Card does not have specific job creation requirements.
16. What are the potential risks associated with the Gold Card program? Critics argue that the program could lead to increased housing prices, minimal economic benefits, and potential risks of tax evasion and corruption.
17. How does the Gold Card address concerns of fraud present in the EB-5 program? The Gold Card requires a direct payment to the U.S. Treasury, eliminating intermediaries and reducing opportunities for fraud.
18. Will the Gold Card program affect existing EB-5 applicants? It is unclear how the transition to the Gold Card program will impact individuals currently in the EB-5 application process.
19. How will the vetting process for Gold Card applicants be conducted? Applicants will undergo a vetting process to ensure they are “wonderful world-class global citizens.” Specific details of this process have not been provided.
20. Can Gold Card holders sponsor family members for U.S. residency? Information regarding the ability of Gold Card holders to sponsor family members has not been disclosed.
21. Will the Gold Card program have an annual cap on the number of visas issued? The administration has not specified whether there will be a cap on the number of Gold Cards issued annually
Final Thoughts: Is the Gold Card Proposal Feasible?
While the gold card proposal has stirred political debate, legal and economic hurdles remain significant. Key takeaways include:
- Legal Challenges: Congress would need to pass new legislation to establish such a program.
- Economic Questions: The feasibility of raising $1 trillion through investor visas remains unclear.
- Moral and Ethical Concerns: Critics argue that prioritizing wealth-based immigration could send the wrong message about U.S. values.
As discussions continue, it remains to be seen whether this proposal will gain traction or fade away as a political talking point. Until then, the future of the EB-5 visa and similar investment-based immigration programs hangs in the balance.
Further Reading & Resources
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: EB-5 Visa Overview
- American Immigration Lawyers Association
- Congressional Research Service Report on EB-5 Program
- USCIS EB-5 Program
- U.S. Department of State
- Congressional Immigration Policies
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
