In light of the recent launch of the Trump Gold Card and its implications for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, LCR Capital Partners would like to provide clarity and reassurance to our valued investors and those considering the EB-5 program.
The new visa –contingent on a mandatory $15,000 processing fee, security vetting by the Department of Homeland Security and a one-time $1 million payment– is designed to offer foreign nationals expedited US permanent residency and a pathway to citizenship. The new program sparked discussions about its practicality and its effects on existing immigration programs like EB-5. Let’s break down the highlights, the challenges, and the implications of this new immigration pathway, particularly for current and prospective EB-5 investors.
What You Need to Know About the “Gold Card”
- Investment Requirement: To qualify, foreigners must donate $1 million plus processing fees on a per-person basis, meaning additional family members are not included. Today an EB-5 investment is $800,000, covering the main applicant, their spouse and any children under 21.
- Pathway to Citizenship: This structure draws inspiration from various successful programs worldwide, notably influenced by Dubai’s Golden Visa, aiming to attract affluent individuals.
- Geopolitical Considerations: With over 60% of current EB-5 investors from China, some see this proposal as a response to US-China tensions.
- Revenue Potential: The Trump administration hopes that this initiative could lure up to one million investors, potentially generating $5 trillion to address the US national debt.
Challenges and Concerns
- Demand Realism: The idea that a million people will jump in may be overly optimistic. Historically, the EB-5 program drew 70,000 applicants over 30 years, with much lower investment thresholds.
- Tax Implications: While an original selling point for the Gold Card was exemption from US global taxation the official program states that Gold Card-holders will in fact be subject to US tax, including on non-US income.
- Impact on EB-5: While some wonder if the gold card will replace EB-5, it’s more likely the two will coexist, as they target different investor demographics.
Current Status of EB-5 and Protections in Place
- Legality:The EB-5 program is established US law and cannot be dismantled by executive order; any major changes require new legislation and congressional approval. While the President can propose new initiatives, such as the gold card, unilaterally ending or replacing the EB-5 program is beyond executive authority. This ensures that changes are thoroughly debated and considered, providing stability and predictability for current and prospective investors.
- Grandfathering Protections: Under the 2022 EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA), applicants filing before September 30, 2026, can enjoy protections under the current rules, safeguarding them from sudden shifts in policy.
Guidance for Current and Future EB-5 Investors
For Current EB-5 Investors:
- The 2022 Reform and Integrity Act includes a grandfathering provision valid through September 2026.This means that investors who have filed their petitions before this date are protected, even if future legislative changes occur. Your path to permanent residency remains intact, and your investment is safeguarded under the existing legal framework.
- If challenges arise, there’s strong legal support to protect your rights.
For Prospective Investors:
- The EB-5 program remains operational and well-structured.
- Applying before September 2026 can secure the benefits of existing “grandfathered” legal protections amid future policy uncertainties.
- We anticipate a surge in EB-5 filings as this deadline approaches, so initiating your application sooner rather than later is advisable to secure your position within the program.
- If you have questions, we’re here to help clarify the process and navigate these changes.
Conclusion
Though the Trump Gold Card is now live and accepting applications, it was established through an executive order—meaning it could be modified or rescinded by a future administration or face legal challenges related to executive authority. By contrast, the EB-5 program is written into US law and stands strong as the fastest and most certain current route to US permanent residency, offering a solid legal framework and protections for investors. If you’re contemplating investment immigration, now is the time to act—before the 2026 grandfathering window closes.
At LCR Capital Partners, we are committed to guiding you through the complexities of the investment immigration landscape, ensuring that your interests are protected and your path to US residency is as smooth as possible. LCR is also excited to work with the Trump administration on the evolution of a broader merit-based foreign direct investment program for the United States that builds on the success of the EB-5 program.
Please visit www.lcrcapital.com for more information on the EB-5 program and schedule a meeting with one of our experts to start your EB-5 journey.
Links to immigration attorneys’ views on the topic:
