Indian nationals who are waiting for US green cards have expressed major concern about President Donald Trump’s proposal to replace the EB-5 investor program with a$ 5 million “gold card” visa. With over 1 million Indians stuck in employment-based queues —some for over 50 years—the change toward a wealth-based immigration design could drastically alter their choices.
Here is an explaining FAQs:
Q: What is the’ silver card ‘ card, and how does it differ from a traditional green cards?
A new “gold card” visa, which would provide green card privileges and a pathway to US citizenship for a$ 5 million fee, has been suggested by President Donald Trump. Unlike the traditional EB-5 investor card, which requires a$ 800, 000-$ 1.05 million investment in a company that creates at least 10 US work, the platinum card has no such career development condition. Rather, it is being positioned as a superior citizenship option for wealthy individuals.
Q: How does American citizens who are awaiting green cards be affected?
Indians are among the largest organizations waiting for US green tickets, with queues exceeding 50 years in some employment-based groups. The golden card was:
- Give powerful Indians who can obtain it a quicker path.
- Exclude middle-tier buyers who formerly used EB-5 as an alternative to employment-based clean accounts.
- Shift emphasis from career development to wealth, favouring American company tycoons over experienced professionals.
Q: Will the platinum card replace the EB-5 buyer card program?
Yes. Howard Lutnick, the secretary of commerce, confirmed that the platinum card may remove EB-5 in two weeks. Trump criticized EB-5, calling it “full of bullshit, make-believe, and scams”. While EB-5 essential job design, the platinum card is simply a direct order of US citizenship and citizenship eligibility.
Q: Is Indians now on H-1B or EB-2/EB-3 permits apply for the golden card?
Yes, if they have$ 5 million to pay for it. Trump referred to the platinum card as a “path to membership for people of wealth or persons of great ability, where people of money pay for those who gain entry.” This suggests that businesses may even sponsor very qualified workers, despite the availability of specifics.
Q: How will this impact Indians who were considering the EB-5 card?
For Indians who planned to use EB-5, the fivefold increase in investment cost ( from$ 1 million to$ 5 million ) could make it unaffordable. While EB-5 investors may share funds or get planned loans, the golden cards seems to require upfront cash, limiting convenience to India’s ultra-rich elite.
Q: How many gold cards will be available, and will there be a cap like EB-5?
Trump claimed,” We’ll be able to sell maybe a million of these cards”, and even suggested selling 10 million to reduce the US deficit. Unlike EB-5, which had a cap, the gold card appears to have no numerical limit—it is purely a revenue-driven scheme.
Q: Could Indian tech CEOs, startup founders, or business leaders benefit from the gold card?
Yes. The program seems tailored for India’s wealthiest entrepreneurs, tech executives, and industrialists. Those who want to bypass H-1B visa lotteries and EB-2/EB-3 backlogs could find this an attractive alternative. However, its lack of clarity around job creation, business investment, and processing time raises concerns.
Q: Will the gold card need congressional approval, or can Trump implement it directly?
Trump said that congressional approval is not required, but legal experts disagree. Implementation might be delayed or obstructed if there are lawsuits or political opposition, something Indian applicants should think about before committing money.
Q: What dangers are associated with the gold card?
- Uncertainty: Details on processing, vetting, and long-term benefits are still vague.
- Legal challenges: Congress or courts may challenge its legality.
- Affordability: At$ 5 million, it excludes many Indians who could afford EB-5 but not this steep jump.
What other options do Indians have if the gold card is too expensive?
For those unable to afford the gold card, traditional employment-based green cards ( EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 ) and the H-1B visa remain options, although processing times are long. If the gold card significantly reduces EB-5 interest, Indians already in the EB-5 pipeline may have fewer competitors, potentially improving their chances.
Is the gold card a game-changer for Indians?
The gold card presents a fast-track residency option—but only for India’s ultra-rich. For the broader Indian diaspora, especially H-1B holders and EB-5 investors, it signals a shift toward wealth-based immigration, leaving most to navigate the backlogged employment-based system. While it may be an attractive shortcut for billionaires and corporate-backed talent, for the majority, it represents a roadblock rather than a solution.
( With inputs from agencies )
