“For now, EB-5 remains the only established, fully legislated, and operational investment-based immigration pathway offering a path to a Green Card and a way to citizenship. Until any new program becomes law, is implemented, and has clear regulatory guidance, EB-5 continues to be the most reliable and well-defined route for investors seeking long-term stability in the United States.” – Victor A. Espinosa, advisor to EB-5 investors & VP, Peachtree Group
At a moment when even the most qualified visa applicants feel the gates to the American dream have slammed shut, President Trump has thrown open a new—albeit gilded—door offering a “swifter” passage to America.
On Wednesday, the president unveiled the long-promised Trump Gold Card, a pay-to-immigrate pathway offering legal status and, eventually, citizenship. The catch is in the fine print and, well, the price tag. Individuals must put down $1 million to apply, while corporations are expected to spend $2 million per foreign-born employee. The program also calls for a non-refundable $15,000 application fee to the federal government.
A sleek new website, trumpcard.gov, complete with birds soaring toward seemingly brighter, more welcoming skies, went live the same day, opening applications as Trump announced the program at a White House round table.
The Gold Card is designed to supplant the existing EB-5 investor visa, created in 1990 to spur foreign investment. Under EB-5 rules, applicants also invest roughly $1 million but must fulfill the criterion of creating at least 10 American jobs.
READ: US revokes 85,000 visas amid stricter security, vetting measures (December 10, 2025)
Trump pegs his idea as an opportunity to generate revenue for the federal treasury while attracting top talent from around the world. Talking about the Gold Card, he said, “Basically, it’s a green card but much better,” adding, “Much more powerful, a much stronger path.”
So, is this new Gold Card already generating interest among investors? San Francisco-based Victor A. Espinosa, VP of Global Business Development of real estate investment firm Peachtree Group, says, “As global families evaluate U.S. immigration strategies, the proposed Trump ‘Gold Card’ has naturally sparked conversation among many of the EB-5 investors I advise. While it is still only a proposal—not a formal policy—the curiosity around how it might coexist with EB-5 is understandable. It has created a new layer of complexity.”
It may be noted that as of now crucial details such as requirements for job generation, criteria for corporations, and whether the program would have annual cap limits like other visa programs have not been released.
The website states, “For a $15,000 DHS processing fee and, after background approval, a contribution of $1 million, receive U.S. residency in record time with the Trump Gold Card.”
The website also mentions that after the application submission, the process will take “weeks” and will include an interview. It also comes with a caveat—additional fees to the State Department may apply “depending on the applicant.”
What would his advice be to investors exploring the newer, seemingly swifter way to the American dream? Espinosa says, “My role is to help clients evaluate every potential option. If the Gold Card were ever enacted, it would likely serve as a complementary pathway, not a replacement. Investors may ultimately choose a dual-track evaluation — assessing EB-5 for permanent residency while monitoring any developments around the proposed Gold Card for shorter-term or specialized benefits.”
The website also dangles a shinier, upgraded version of the American dream. The website reads: “Foreign nationals can sign up now and secure their places on the waiting list for the Trump Platinum Card. When launched, and upon receipt of a $15,000 DHS processing fee and $5 million contribution, they will have the ability to spend up to 270 days in the United States without being subject to U.S. taxes on non-U.S. income.”
So, is the road to a Green Card finally turning into greener pastures for those with deep pockets? Espinosa offers studied advice. He says, “The key is to make informed, strategic decisions. Advisors like me will commit to guiding investors through whichever route best aligns with their goals as more details emerge.”