On February 25, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a controversial new cash-for-residency program, proposing a “Gold Card” that would grant U.S. residency and a pathway to citizenship for investors willing to contribute $5 million. This unexpected proposal has sparked intense debate, raising concerns about its legality and its potential impact on the existing EB-5 visa program.
Trump claimed that the Gold Card program would launch within two weeks and suggested that it does not require Congressional approval. However, immigration experts question the feasibility of the plan, as no official legislation or executive order has been introduced.
Is Trump’s “Gold Card” the New EB-5 or Just a Cash-for-Residency Gimmick?
At present, the Gold Card remains merely a statement from Trump—it has no legal backing, and there are no clear details on its implementation. The proposal challenges existing U.S. immigration laws, and experts widely believe it would face significant legal hurdles. Even if pursued via executive action, it would still require Congressional approval, making it unlikely to take effect in the near future.
Jane Cao, former Vice President of JPMorgan Chase and General Manager at Globevisa’s Los Angeles office, shared her thoughts:
“The EB-5 program is a legally established immigration pathway, created by Congress and signed into law. To eliminate or replace it, a formal legislative process must occur. If Trump were to unilaterally stop accepting EB-5 applications, he would face lawsuits and most likely lose.
Additionally, the EB-5 visa program plays a crucial role in funding real estate and business projects across both Republican and Democratic states. Many lawmakers, including those in Trump’s own party, are unlikely to support drastic changes to the program.”
What Does This Mean for Current EB-5 Investors?
For individuals who have already applied for an EB-5 visa, Trump’s announcement has no immediate impact. The EB-5 program, last updated by Congress in 2022, includes a five-year grandfather clause, protecting applicants from sudden policy shifts. This means that investors who submit their applications before September 30, 2026, should not be affected by any potential changes.
Will the EB-5 Investment Requirement Increase in the Future?
While it remains uncertain whether the Gold Card will ever replace the EB-5 visa, experts predict that by 2027, economic factors such as inflation and the need for foreign investment could lead to significant policy shifts, including:
A potential increase in the EB-5 minimum investment requirement (currently $800,000).
Higher processing fees for EB-5 applicants.
Possible tightening of eligibility criteria to attract higher-quality investors.
What’s Next for U.S. Immigration Under Trump?
With shifting policies under the Trump administration, it is critical for investors and prospective immigrants to stay informed about legal immigration pathways. Choosing a secure, government-approved program like EB-5 remains the safest way to obtain U.S. residency.
For over 24 years, Globevisa has been a trusted leader in EB-5 immigration, assisting over 1,000 families and successfully raising $1 billion in EB-5 investments. Stay connected with Globevisa for the latest updates on Trump’s immigration policies, the Gold Card program, and changes to cash-for-residency programs.
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