Trump to sell US Gold Card. Will the EB‑5 visa be scrapped?
Trump plans to replace the EB‑5 visa with a Gold Card. His administration calls the current program "poorly managed" and aims to attract wealthy investors instead.
While the new visa may boost investment, legal and economic concerns raise doubts about its success. The EB‑5 program can only be ended by Congress, not by Trump alone.
Legal and Compliance Officer, certified CAMS specialist
Trump to sell US Gold Card. Will the EB-5 visa be scrapped?
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President Donald Trump has introduced a new immigration initiative called the "Gold Card" program. This plan aims to attract wealthy foreigners by offering them US residency and a pathway to citizenship in exchange for a $5 million payment.
Eligibility and benefits. Applicants who pay the required fee will receive privileges similar to those of a green card holder, including a pathway to US citizenship.
Screening process. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that applicants will undergo strict background checks to ensure they meet high standards of integrity and global reputation.
Implementation. The Gold Card program is designed to replace the existing EB‑5 visa, which grants US residency to investors who create jobs. The program is supposed to be launched in March 2025.
Is the EB‑5 visa now cancelled?
The EB‑5 program allows foreign investors to obtain US residency by investing at least $800,000 in designated employment areas or $1,050,000 in other areas. The investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers.
It is unlikely that the government will discontinue the EB‑5 program entirely. Congress holds authority over immigration law, as stated in Article I, Section 8 of the US Constitution. The Supreme Court has affirmed that immigration policy decisions rest with Congress, not the executive branch. Therefore, President Trump cannot cancel the EB‑5 program unilaterally—doing so requires legislative action.
The Trump administration expects the Gold Card to generate substantial revenue, potentially reducing the national debt. But experts question whether a $5 million price tag is too high to attract enough applicants. Other countries offer similar residency programs at lower costs.
Golden Visas in the EU require a minimum investment of €250,000. These programs grant residency permits, leading to EU citizenship, which some investors find more appealing than a US passport due to political and economic instability in the United States.
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