Trump Proposes $5 Million Visa for Foreign Investors: Is It Viable?
President Donald Trump has unveiled a proposal known as the “Gold Card,” a visa that would allow foreign investors to obtain permanent residency in the United States in exchange for a $5 million investment. Although the plan has attracted international attention and generated interest among high-net-worth individuals, the initiative currently lacks legislative support and faces several legal obstacles.
Also read: “DHS Announces the Termination of TPS for Honduras Following Improvements in the Country”
What is the Gold Card visa?
The so-called “Gold Card” is a proposal designed to offer a fast track to legal permanent residency in the United States through direct investment. According to its promoters, recipients could even become eligible for citizenship after meeting established requirements.
The concept has been promoted via a website where over 70,000 people have registered to receive information. During an event in April 2025, a mock-up of the card featuring Trump’s name and image was presented, generating significant media coverage.
Is this program currently in effect?
No. Although it has been publicly announced, the Gold Card is not legally authorized. At present, there is no law supporting its implementation, nor has any bill been introduced in Congress to create this new immigration category.
Legal immigration experts have emphasized that creating new visas requires legislative approval, meaning the proposal cannot become reality without Congress’s involvement.
Differences from the EB-5 program
Currently, the United States offers the EB-5 program, which grants permanent residency to foreigners who invest between $800,000 and $1.05 million in projects that create jobs domestically. This program operates under a formal legal and regulatory framework and has been subject to reforms and audits.
By contrast, the Gold Card proposes a higher investment amount but lacks legislation, regulation, or clear adjudication criteria. While some view it as an evolution of the EB-5, experts warn it lacks the necessary oversight and structure for effective implementation.
Government justifications and arguments
According to the Department of Commerce, the Gold Card could become a significant source of government revenue, especially if it serves as an alternative form of financing that doesn’t rely on taxpayer dollars. The Secretary of Commerce has argued that the program could be self-funded by attracting foreign capital without adding to the federal budget.
Additionally, proponents argue that this type of visa could attract strategically valuable individuals, such as entrepreneurs, innovators, scientists, and executives capable of creating jobs or contributing to high-impact projects.
Legal risks and warnings
Despite enthusiasm among supporters, immigration attorneys have warned of the risks of promoting an immigration benefit without legal backing. Some law firms have already advised clients to avoid making financial commitments or assuming the visa will be approved soon.
Internationally, similar programs have been implemented by countries like Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Malta. However, several of these have been restricted or terminated due to concerns about money laundering, rising housing prices, and lack of transparency.
Conclusion
For now, the Gold Card is purely a political proposal with no current legal effect. While it has generated interest and been marketed as an appealing option for foreign investors, its implementation depends on a series of formal steps that have yet to begin.
Anyone interested in such programs should closely follow legislative developments and wait for official announcements from Congress and U.S. immigration agencies.
From: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/07/07/trump-gold-card-visa-immigration/
For more information on these topics, visit Paralegal Clases’ social media pages and join our live sessions every Wednesday.
Instagram: @Paralegalclases
Facebook: Instituto Paralegal de las Américas
Youtube: Instituto Paralegal
Tiktok: @Paralegalnews
