Highlights:
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Trump’s Gold Card visa has seen limited interest since applications opened
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Immigration experts point to unclear rules and legal ambiguity
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EB-5 investor visa remains the preferred and well-established alternative
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EB-5 investment covers the entire family and offers a defined path to permanent residency
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Trump’s Gold Card targets a very narrow group of ultra-high-net-worth individuals
President Donald Trump’s newly launched $1 million Gold Card visa program has failed to attract the level of interest anticipated by the administration, according to immigration professionals tracking early applicant activity. Nearly a week after the program opened for applications, experts say engagement from potential investors has been minimal, raising questions about the viability of the initiative in its current form.
The Trump Gold Card visa was positioned as a premium immigration option for wealthy individuals seeking access to the United States. However, legal experts and immigration advisors report that uncertainty around the program’s structure and outcomes has discouraged applicants. In contrast, the long-running EB-5 investor visa continues to be viewed as the more reliable and clearly defined route for high-net-worth individuals and their families.
Trump Gold Card visa faces questions over structure and guarantees
According to practitioners advising investors, one of the main challenges facing the Trump Gold Card visa is the lack of detailed guidance. Keshav Singhania, Head of Private Client at Singhania & Co, pointed to the absence of clarity around long-term benefits. “The Gold Card’s instructions are loosely worded, with no clear pathway to permanent residency or citizenship,” he said.
This uncertainty has made it difficult for advisors to recommend the Trump Gold Card over existing programs. Investors typically seek predictability, particularly when committing large sums of capital. Without clear guarantees on residency outcomes, the Trump Gold Card has struggled to differentiate itself from other U.S. immigration options.
Trump Gold Card vs EB-5: why investors still favor EB-5
Immigration lawyers say that when compared directly with EB-5, the Trump Gold Card appears less attractive. Poorvi Chothani, a leading immigration lawyer, said clients continue to favor established programs. “We haven’t received any inquiries about the Gold Card, and given the EB-5’s established legal framework, clients are likely to prefer it,” Chothani said.
The EB-5 investor visa has been in place for decades and offers a clearly defined route to U.S. permanent residency. Under the EB-5 program, investors must commit $800,000 in a targeted employment area or $1.05 million elsewhere in the United States, while also creating at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. These requirements are well documented and widely understood by both applicants and advisors.
In contrast, the Trump Gold Card visa requires a $1 million payment per family member, in addition to processing fees. Unlike EB-5, the Gold Card does not currently offer a clearly outlined pathway to a green card or citizenship, making it harder for families to justify the cost.
Trump Gold Card’s limited appeal to ultra-wealthy individuals
Shilpa Malik, Managing Attorney at VisaLaw Nation, said the Trump Gold Card is aimed at a very specific audience. “The program mainly appeals to ultra-high-net-worth individuals who are seeking long-term U.S. access and brand association rather than immediate immigration outcomes,” she said.
However, Malik noted that this group represents a very small segment of potential applicants. Most investors seeking U.S. residency prioritize certainty, family coverage, and long-term legal security. The narrow focus of the Trump Gold Card limits its overall appeal and reduces the likelihood of strong demand.
EB-5 remains strong as Trump Gold Card falters
While the Trump Gold Card struggles to gain momentum, the EB-5 program continues to attract investors, particularly from India and China. Approximately 10,000 EB-5 visas are issued each year, reflecting consistent demand and confidence in the program. The EB-5 visa also allows investors to include their spouse and unmarried children under 21 as part of a single investment, a feature that significantly enhances its value for families.
Industry experts say EB-5’s longevity, predictable rules, and proven track record make it the default choice for high-net-worth individuals considering U.S. immigration. Compared with the Trump Gold Card, EB-5 offers clarity on investment thresholds, job creation requirements, and residency outcomes.
Trump Gold Card highlights challenges of launching new visa programs
The early performance of the Trump Gold Card visa underscores the difficulties of introducing a new, high-cost immigration pathway in an already competitive market. Legal ambiguity, unclear benefits, and limited audience appeal have combined to slow adoption. For now, immigration advisors continue to guide clients toward EB-5 as the safer and more established option.
Unless clearer rules and guarantees are introduced, experts say the Trump Gold Card is unlikely to displace EB-5 as the preferred investor visa. As it stands, EB-5 remains the tried-and-tested route for wealthy individuals seeking permanent U.S. residency for themselves and their families, while the Trump Gold Card remains largely untested and uncertain.
