Trump’s $5 Million “Gold Card” Visa: A Fast Track for the Ultra-Wealthy?

The Trump administration has proposed a controversial overhaul to the U.S. investor visa system: a so-called “Gold Card” that grants permanent residency to those willing to invest $5 million directly into government funds. The move is part of a broader effort to streamline immigration for high-net-worth individuals while eliminating job creation requirements.

What’s Changing?

Under the current EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, applicants must invest a minimum of $800,000 in a U.S. business and prove their investment will create at least 10 American jobs. The Gold Card visa, in contrast:

• Requires no job creation
• Allows passive investment directly to the federal government
• Grants expedited green card processing
• Offers potential exemptions from U.S. income tax on overseas earnings

Legal and Ethical Concerns

Critics warn that the proposal could:

• Undermine fairness by giving wealthy applicants an even faster path to a green card
• Violate the spirit of U.S. immigration law, which prioritizes family ties, employment needs, and humanitarian protection
• Be challenged on constitutional grounds, particularly around taxation and equal treatment

Final Word

While the Gold Card visa could be a game-changer for the ultra-wealthy, its legal foundations remain shaky. Immigration attorneys advise high-net-worth individuals to proceed with caution and consider whether traditional EB-5 options may offer more long-term security.