Donald Trump’s $5 million ‘Gold Card’ Visa: What it Means for Indian Nationals? | Latest News India
Introduction
In a move that could potentially revolutionize the way international investors and professionals obtain US residency, US President Donald Trump has announced a new "gold card" visa program, also known as the "Trump Gold Card." With a hefty $5 million price tag, this visa offering has raised concerns among Indian nationals, who are already awaiting US green cards. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of the gold card visa, its differences from the existing EB-5 visa, and how it may impact Indian nationals.
What is the ‘Gold Card’ Visa? How is it Different from Green Card?
The Trump Gold Card, also a green card, is a new pathway to US citizenship, which replaces the 35-year-old EB-5 visa program. The gold card is designed to raise the price of admission for investors, eliminate fraud and "nonsense" that characterize the EB-5 program, and offer a direct path to citizenship.
Key Differences:
| EB-5 Visa (Current) | Trump’s Gold Card Visa (Proposed) | |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Required | $800,000 – $1.05 million | $5 million |
| Job Creation Requirement | Must create 10 US jobs | No job creation requirement |
| Path to Citizenship | 5-7 years | Immediate pathway |
| Backlog for Indians | High backlog (many waiting 7-10+ years) | No backlog (direct purchase) |
How will the Gold Card Impact Indians Waiting for Green Cards?
For India’s richest, the Trump Gold Card visa could be a game-changer, offering a much faster and simpler route to US residency compared to the EB-5 investor visa or the long-winded H-1B to green card process. However, the $5 million price tag means only India’s super-rich can afford this shortcut to American residency.
Will the Gold Card Replace the EB-5 Investor Visa Program?
Yes, if the Trump Gold Card visa goes into effect, it will replace the EB-5 investor visa program.
Can Indians Currently on H-1B or EB-2/EB-3 Visas Apply for Gold Card?
Yes, Indians on H-1B or EB-2/EB-3 visas can apply for Donald Trump’s proposed gold card visa, as long as they can afford the $5 million investment. This new visa, pitched as a replacement for the EB-5 investor program, offers a shortcut to US citizenship without the usual hassle of job creation or business setup.
What are the Alternative US Immigration Options for Indians?
Since the gold card visa may not be accessible to most Indians, here are some alternative options:
A. EB-5 Visa (if available before gold card replaces it)
- Investment: $800,000 (in targeted employment areas)
- Pros: Green card in 3-5 years (faster than EB-2/EB-3)
- Cons: Requires job creation, longer wait if demand rises
B. O-1 Visa (for highly skilled individuals)
- For professionals with exceptional abilities (tech, research, arts, business)
- Can lead to EB-1 green card (which has no backlog for Indians)
C. L-1 Visa (for business owners and executives)
D. H-1B to EB-2/EB-3 (current skilled worker route)
- For Indian tech workers in the US on an H-1B visa
- Biggest drawback: Long wait times (sometimes decades)
In conclusion, the Trump Gold Card visa offers a new pathway for international investors and professionals to obtain US residency, but its hefty price tag and restricted eligibility criteria may limit its accessibility to most Indians. For those seeking alternative options, it’s essential to understand the pros and cons of each route to make an informed decision. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Sources:
- [1] "Trump’s $5 million ‘gold card’ visa: What it means for Indian nationals | Latest News India"
- [2] "Trump’s ‘Gold Card’ for immigrants: What we know"
- [3] "What’s the latest news on Trump’s ‘Gold Card’ visa?"
- [4] "How will the Trump Gold Card visa impact Indian nationals?"
- [5] "Trump’s Gold Card visa: Can Indians apply?"
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