The Trump Card – Will It Replace the EB-5 Visa Program?
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In February 2025, President Donald Trump hinted at a new immigration initiative: a “Gold Card” visa, which was intended to attract the world’s “most brilliant” minds and wealthiest individuals. On June 12, 2025, President Trump launched the official website, allowing individuals to register for “ The Trump Gold Card”. While details remain limited, the concept has raised a big question among immigration professionals and investors: Will Trump’s Gold Card replace the EB-5 Visa Program?
The short answer is no – not yet, and perhaps not at all. The situation remains uncertain. But the idea is a signal of where U.S. immigration policy could be heading, especially for high-net-worth individuals. In this article, we break down what Trump’s Gold Card could look like, how it compares to the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. View info here – https://www.eb5brics.com/united-states We will go over whether EB-5 investors should be concerned.
What Is Trump’s Card?
The Trump Card is a proposed new visa category that would offer long-term residency, or potentially a path to a green card, to top global talent, innovators, and wealthy individuals who can make significant contributions to the U.S. economy. According to Trump, the goal is to bring in “only the best,” including tech founders, investors, and other high achievers.
While no formal policy or legislation has been released, the Trump Card is being framed as:
- A fast-track immigration option
- Designed to attract exceptional talent and capital
- A simplified alternative to current visa categories that are seen as slow or overly restrictive
On June 12, 2025, former President Trump announced the launch of a new website allowing individuals to register for the Trump Gold Card. As of now, the site does not provide any details regarding eligibility requirements or the process for obtaining citizenship through this initiative.
What Is the EB-5 Visa Program?
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, created by Congress in 1990 and administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), offers a green card to foreign nationals who:
- Invest $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1.05 million elsewhere
- Create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
- Prove that their investment capital comes from lawful sources
It’s a well-established but heavily regulated program, with real estate and infrastructure projects often funded through EB-5 regional centers.
The Trump Card vs. EB-5 Visa: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Trump’s Card (Proposed) | EB-5 Visa Program |
| Legal Status | Not yet implemented | Established federal program |
| Investment Amount | Unknown, but suggested $5M | $800K–$1.05M |
| Job Creation Requirement | Likely no | Mandatory (10 jobs) |
| Processing Time | Marketed as faster | Can take 2–5 years or more |
| Source of Funds | Likely still required | Strictly documented |
| Family Inclusion | Likely | Spouse and children under 21 included |
| Green Card Outcome | Unclear | Yes – leads to permanent residency |
Could the Trump Card Replace the EB-5 Program?
While the Trump Card may seem like a more modern alternative, it’s unlikely to replace the EB-5 visa for several key reasons fully:
- EB-5 Is Written Into Law
The EB-5 program is part of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and was recently reformed and reauthorized in 2022 under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act. Replacing it would require significant bipartisan legislation.
- Different Target Audiences
The EB-5 visa is specifically designed for investment-based immigration. It’s intended to create U.S. jobs and stimulate the economy. The Trump Card appears to be more flexible, potentially targeting highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors, not just passive investors.
- EB-5 Has Institutional Backing
Over the years, the EB-5 program has developed an ecosystem of regional centers, project developers, legal professionals, and economists who rely on it. Removing it would disrupt real estate markets and job-creating enterprises.
- International Agreements and Existing Petitions
Tens of thousands of EB-5 petitions are already in the pipeline. Replacing the program would trigger complex legal and diplomatic issues, particularly for investors from countries such as China, India, and Vietnam.
Although the Trump Card is unlikely to replace the EB-5 visa program in the immediate future, it may operate alongside it for the time being, at least until the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 reaches its sunset date. While the long-term impact of the Trump Card on the EB-5 program remains uncertain, one thing is clear: investors are legally protected under the Act’s grandfathering provisions through September 2026.
For additional information regarding the EB‑5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, please visit the official government USCIS Q & A website:
Final Thoughts
Donald Trump’s proposed Trump Card has reignited debate over how the U.S. attracts talent and capital. While it’s too early to predict whether it will be successfully implemented or how it would work, one thing is clear: the EB-5 program is still one of the most reliable investment-based paths to a U.S. green card. This is particularly true for high-net-worth individuals from countries that experience high visa backlogs and are seeking an alternative path for US residency.
Despite the recent launch of the official Trump Card website, critical information about the program remains unavailable. Details on eligibility, requirements, and associated costs have yet to be disclosed. Although there is speculation that the investment threshold may be around $5 million, this has not been officially confirmed. Furthermore, no legislative framework has been established, leaving the program’s status uncertain at this time.
Until the Trump Card becomes law (if ever), investors, entrepreneurs, and international students should continue to work with experienced immigration attorneys and advisors to evaluate current options.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a qualified attorney.
