What to Know About Trump’s Gold Card

Have you heard that President Donald Trump has proposed a new U.S. immigration pathway? It’s called a Gold Card, and it isn’t technically active yet; however, Trump is adamant about his plan to implement a Gold Card program, flashing his own mock version of a Gold Card with his face on it in the headlines recently. In this article, we’ll examine the key facts that you should know about this potential new U.S. immigration pathway and point out the differences between a Gold Card and a Green Card.

Key Facts to Know About the Gold Card

 

1. The Gold Card would replace the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa.

 

Trump’s plan is to replace the EB-5 visa with the Gold Card. However, the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) of 1990, which guarantees access to the EB-5 program, would need to be overridden by Congress since the president does not have the power to override an act of Congress.

 

1. The Gold Card is designed for high-net-worth individuals who can afford a substantial one-time fee; it is not an investment.

 

Unlike the EB-5 visa program, the Gold Card program would not require immigrants to invest in a U.S. business. Applicants would need to pay a one-time fee of $5,000,000 (USD) and pass through a vetting process with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to purchase a Gold Card.

 

1. The pathway to citizenship through a Gold Card is unclear, and the program will likely face legal challenges.

 

Trump has guaranteed that the Gold Card will offer a pathway to citizenship; however, the pathway remains unclear, and Trump’s political opposition will likely challenge any legislation brought forth in Congress.

Is a Gold Card Different from a Green Card?

The only clear difference between a Gold Card and a Green Card that is known at this time is the $5,000,000 fee. President Trump says, “It’s going to give you Green Card privileges, plus it’s going to be a route to citizenship.”

 

It’s important to note that a Green Card already offers a route to U.S. citizenship. So, what will the unique benefits of a Gold Card be if this proposed new immigration pathway comes to fruition? We’ll have to wait and see what the legislation says and if it passes. Be sure to check out the Gold Card updates page for news surrounding this topic.