In February 2025, President Donald Trump announced a new “Gold Card” visa program aimed at attracting wealthy immigrants by offering them a path to U.S. residency and citizenship in exchange for a $5 million payment to the U.S. government. This proposal is intended to replace the existing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which has been in place since 1990. Both programs target foreign investors but differ significantly in their requirements and implications. At Global Immigration Partners, we aim to provide clarity on these programs to help potential investors make informed decisions.
Understanding the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
The EB-5 program was established to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors. Key aspects of the EB-5 program include:
- Investment Amount: Requires a minimum investment of $800,000 in targeted employment areas (TEAs) or $1.05 million in non-TEAs.
- Job Creation: Investments must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
- Path to Residency: Provides a direct route to obtaining a U.S. Green Card (permanent residency) for the investor, their spouse, and unmarried children under 21.
- Duration and Citizenship: After maintaining the investment and meeting residency requirements for five years, investors may apply for U.S. citizenship.
Introducing the Proposed ‘Gold Card’ Visa Program
The newly proposed ‘Gold Card‘ program seeks to attract high-net-worth individuals by offering residency and a pathway to citizenship in exchange for a substantial financial contribution. Key features of the ‘Gold Card’ include:
- Investment Amount: Requires a $5 million payment directly to the U.S. government.
- Job Creation: Unlike the EB-5 program, there is no requirement for job creation associated with the investment.
- Path to Residency: Offers immediate residency rights, similar to those provided by the Green Card, with an expedited pathway to citizenship.
- Tax Considerations: Income generated outside the United States would not be subject to U.S. taxation, while income derived within the U.S. would be fully taxed.
Comparing EB-5 and the ‘Gold Card’
| Feature | EB-5 Program | ‘Gold Card’ Program |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Amount | $800,000 – $1.05 million | $5 million |
| Job Creation Requirement | Yes (10 full-time jobs) | No |
| Investment Type | Active investment in a U.S. business | Direct payment to the U.S. government |
| Path to Citizenship | Yes, after 5 years | Yes, expedited |
| Taxation | Global income taxed | Only U.S.-sourced income is taxed |
Considerations and Implications
The introduction of the ‘Gold Card’ program represents a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, focusing on direct financial contributions rather than economic stimulation through job creation. Potential investors should consider the following:
- Financial Threshold: The ‘Gold Card’ requires a substantially higher investment compared to the EB-5 program.
- Economic Impact: The lack of a job creation requirement in the ‘Gold Card’ program may reduce its direct impact on U.S. employment compared to the EB-5 program.
- Legislative Approval: There is ongoing debate about the necessity of Congressional approval for implementing the ‘Gold Card’ program, raising questions about its viability.
- Market Impact: Concerns have been raised that the ‘Gold Card’ program could exacerbate housing affordability issues in the U.S. if investments are directed toward real estate.
Conclusion
Both the EB-5 and the proposed ‘Gold Card’ programs offer pathways to U.S. residency and citizenship for foreign investors, each with distinct requirements and implications. Prospective investors should carefully assess their financial capabilities, investment goals, and the potential economic and social impacts of their investment choices. At Global Immigration Partners, we are committed to providing comprehensive guidance to navigate these complex immigration options effectively.