President Donald Trump Announces the "Gold Card" Program for Wealthy Investors

On February 25, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the launch of the $5 million "Gold Card" program, which will grant permanent residency and work authorization to wealthy foreign investors. This initiative aims to replace the existing EB-5 visa program and contribute directly to the U.S. economy.

EB-5 Visa Program: Current Status and Statistics

Established in 1990, the EB-5 visa program allows foreign investors to obtain a green card by investing a certain amount in the U.S. and creating at least 10 full-time jobs. The minimum investment amount is $800,000 for Targeted Employment Areas (TEA) and $1,050,000 for non-TEA regions. The primary goal of the program is to attract foreign capital and create jobs in the United States.

In recent years, a significant portion of EB-5 visas has been issued to investors from specific countries. For instance, in the 2025 fiscal year, approximately 4,600 EB-5 visas were issued, with:

55% granted to Chinese investors,
16% to Vietnamese investors,
7% to Indian and Taiwanese investors, and
4% to South Korean investors.

However, the program currently has a backlog of 250,000 applications, indicating significant delays in processing.

Economic Contribution and Benefits of the EB-5 Program

Economic Growth: Foreign investments generate new job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the U.S.
Permanent Residency for Investors and Their Families: The EB-5 program provides investors and their families with permanent residency and work authorization in the U.S.

The "Gold Card" Program: A New Approach

President Trump's "Gold Card" program aims to replace the EB-5 visa by offering permanent residency and work authorization to wealthy foreign investors in exchange for a $5 million investment. The primary objective of this program is to attract more capital to reduce the national debt and boost economic activity.

According to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the sale of 200,000 Gold Cards could generate $1 trillion in revenue.

Legal Requirements and Implementation Conditions

For the "Gold Card" program to be successfully implemented, several legal regulations must be established. Immigration law experts emphasize that such a program would require Congressional approval. Additionally, concerns have been raised about potential misuse, such as money laundering and fraud. To prevent such risks, applicants must be thoroughly vetted, and the program must be managed transparently.

EB-5 Program Validity and Accessibility

The EB-5 program has been continuously revised and extended since its inception in 1990. The latest extension, signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 15, 2022, ensures that the EB-5 program remains valid until September 30, 2027.

President Trump's "Gold Card" initiative is an ambitious effort to attract more foreign capital and reduce national debt. However, for the program to be successful, it is crucial to establish clear legal regulations, prevent potential abuses, and ensure a fair and transparent application process.

Meanwhile, the EB-5 program remains in effect until 2027, providing an alternative route for investors seeking permanent residency in the U.S.

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