Washington, D.C.: Former President Donald Trump has introduced a groundbreaking “Gold Card” visa initiative, allowing U.S. companies to recruit elite international talent, including top Indian graduates, through a $5 million investment pathway to citizenship. This program aims to replace the EB-5 visa, which currently requires a lower investment ranging from $800,000 to $1.05 million.
Trump emphasized that this move would help American businesses secure top-tier graduates from world-renowned institutions like Harvard, Wharton, and Yale, particularly from countries such as India, China, and Japan.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick strongly backs the initiative, arguing that the EB-5 program lacked proper oversight and was vulnerable to fraud. The “Gold Card” visa aligns with global “Golden Visa” programs, offering wealthy individuals a fast-track to U.S. residency in exchange for substantial investments.
While the program is designed to boost the economy and attract high-value investors, critics warn of potential misuse by corrupt officials and criminals, as seen in the EB-5 program. Additionally, questions remain about its feasibility without congressional approval and its impact on Trump’s voter base.
With the potential to reshape U.S. immigration and business hiring policies, the success of the “Gold Card” visa will depend on its implementation, regulatory scrutiny, and public acceptance.
