What is a Gold Card?
In a press conference on February 25th, 2025, President Trump said, “[A Gold Card’s] going to give you Green Card privileges, plus it’s going to be a route to citizenship.”
In the context of U.S. immigration law, it’s important to note that Green Cards already include the benefit of an eventual pathway to US citizenship. While Trump did not make it clear if Gold Cards would provide any additional benefits compared to Green Cards, he did express that the cost would be the main differentiator between the two. Trump says that if congressional legislation allows for a Gold Card pathway, individuals who seek one would need to apply by paying a one-time fee of $5,000,000 (USD). Trump also stated that these individuals would be vetted by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to be allowed to enter the United States.
Is a Gold Card the same as an EB-5 visa?
While the requirements of the Gold Card would be similar to that of the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa, these two US immigration benefits would be different—in fact, the Trump administration is looking to end the EB-5 visa altogether.
Since 1990, the EB-5 visa has allowed foreign investors to seek lawful permanent residency (a Green Card) in the United States in exchange for an investment in a US business. As of 2025, the required investment is $1,050,000 in a traditional business or $800,000 in a business located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA). Trump does not have the power to override the EB-5 visa’s existence; therefore, Congress must override the amendment of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) that guarantees this immigration benefit. If Congress does not override it, the EB-5 Program is to remain authorized until Sept. 30, 2027.
Until then, follow Gold Card updates closely, and consider consulting with an immigration attorney who can answer any specific questions you have about current and proposed U.S. immigration law.