By johnathan 
In a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, President Donald Trump has unveiled a new “gold card” visa program, offering permanent residency and a pathway to citizenship for a $5 million fee. This initiative is set to replace the existing EB-5 investor visa program and has profound implications for Indian nationals aspiring to settle in the United States.
The ‘Gold Card’ Visa Explained
Announced on February 25, 2025, the “gold card” visa aims to attract affluent individuals by granting them green card privileges and a route to U.S. citizenship in exchange for a $5 million payment. Unlike the EB-5 program, which required a minimum investment of $800,000 to $1.05 million in a U.S. business and the creation of at least ten full-time jobs, the new scheme eliminates the job creation mandate, focusing solely on the financial contribution of the applicant.
President Trump emphasized the economic benefits of this program, stating, “They’ll be wealthy and they’ll be successful, and they’ll be spending a lot of money and paying a lot of taxes and employing a lot of people.” Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick highlighted that the funds generated could significantly reduce the national debt, with projections of selling up to one million gold cards.
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Impact on Indian Nationals
For many Indian nationals, the introduction of the gold card visa presents both opportunities and challenges:
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Expedited Residency for the Wealthy: Affluent Indians now have a faster route to U.S. residency and citizenship, bypassing the lengthy backlogs associated with traditional employment-based green cards. This is particularly advantageous for high-net-worth individuals seeking immediate relocation options.
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Increased Financial Barrier: The substantial $5 million fee is a significant escalation from the EB-5 program’s investment requirements. This increase may exclude a large segment of potential Indian applicants who previously considered the EB-5 route but cannot meet the new financial threshold.
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Shift from Merit-Based to Wealth-Based Immigration: The gold card program’s emphasis on wealth over job creation or specialized skills marks a departure from merit-based immigration principles. This shift could disadvantage skilled professionals and entrepreneurs from India who contribute to the U.S. economy but lack the requisite funds.
Ajay Bhutoria, a Silicon Valley-based advocate for immigration reform, expressed concerns: “The idea that you can buy your way into a green card and citizenship for $5 million, while millions of skilled workers…languish in a backlog…is a slap in the face.”
Future Considerations
While the gold card visa offers a streamlined path for the ultra-wealthy, it raises questions about fairness and accessibility within the U.S. immigration system. Indian nationals considering this option must weigh the financial implications and stay informed about potential legal challenges or policy changes that could affect the program’s implementation.
As the U.S. shifts towards a wealth-centric immigration model, the broader impact on diversity and the influx of skilled talent from countries like India remains to be seen.