President Donald Trump recently announced a proposed Gold Card Visa, a $5 million residency initiative aimed at attracting high-net-worth individuals to the U.S. Separately, stakeholders in the existing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program have raised questions about potential impacts. Below is an objective breakdown of both developments.
The Gold Card Visa Proposal: What We Know
The proposed Gold Card Visa would grant permanent residency (not citizenship) to applicants who invest $5 million. Key details include:
- Tax Structure: Cardholders would pay U.S. taxes only on domestic income, exempting global earnings.
- Rapid Vetting: AI-powered systems, reportedly developed with private tech partners, would streamline background checks.
- Conditional Status: Residency could be revoked for criminal activity or violations of U.S. law.
During an informal press interaction aboard Air Force One, Trump displayed a prototype Gold Card, stating the program could launch within weeks. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick later clarified on a podcast that the proposal targets individuals seeking a “safe haven” during global instability, estimating 37 million people worldwide could afford the card.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, discussing the Gold Card Visa on a podcast, stated the idea originated from a call between former President Trump and investor John Paulson, who proposed “selling visas instead of giving them away.” Lutnick emphasized the card’s $5 million price tag, permanent residency (not citizenship), and exemption from global taxation for non-U.S. income. He cited AI-driven vetting software, developed with Elon Musk’s team, to expedite approvals while ensuring strict revocation rules for misconduct. Lutnick framed it as a “safe haven” for wealthy families during crises.
EB-5 Investors: Your Applications Remain Secure
Amid questions about the Gold Card’s potential impact, Ahluwalia Law Offices P.C. reassures current and prospective EB-5 investors:
- Active Program: The EB-5 Regional Center (RC) Program remains operational. Investors born in retrogressed countries (e.g., China, India) can still file under expedited projects, as the March 2025 Visa Bulletin shows all nationalities remain current through select RCs[7].
- Application Protections: Once an initial I-526E petition is filed, it is legally protected[8]. Investments made (or planned) before September 2026 are shielded from future EB-5 RC Program lapses[9].
- Processing Concerns: While the Trump Administration could direct USCIS to slow EB-5 petition reviews, legal experts anticipate courts would block such measures, as seen in past immigration policy challenges.
The EB-5 Program continues to offer a viable path to U.S. residency, particularly for those facing visa backlogs.
Contact Ahluwalia Law Offices P.C. for trusted insights on U.S. immigration programs.
