President Donald Trump officially announced the launch of the so-called “Trump Card” (also known as the “Gold Card”) — a proposed new investor visa program that has generated significant buzz among global investors and the EB-5 community alike. The Trump Card promises U.S. permanent residency, work authorization, and a pathway to citizenship for those willing to invest $5 million in the United States. A new website, trumpcard.gov, is now live, allowing interested parties to join a waiting list and register their interest.

What Is the Trump Card?

The Trump Card is being marketed as a premium alternative to the existing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. While the EB-5 program currently requires investments of $800,000 to $1.05 million in U.S. job-creating projects, the Trump Card proposes a much higher threshold of $5 million. In return, investors are promised green cards, work rights, and a path to U.S. citizenship.

What Do We Know So Far?

Despite the high-profile announcement and the launch of the website, very little is known about the Trump Card’s actual legal status or implementation. As of today:

• No official legislation or administrative action has been taken to create or authorize the Trump Card visa. The website is currently only collecting expressions of interest, not formal applications.
• Key details remain unclear, including eligibility requirements, processing timelines, and the legal framework for the program.
• Legal experts widely agree that creating a new visa category like the Trump Card would require an act of Congress. No such legislation has been introduced or passed.
• The Trump Card is not a replacement for the EB-5 program at this time. The EB-5 program remains the only established route for investor-based U.S. permanent residency.

Legal and Policy Uncertainties

The Trump Card announcement has raised many questions in the immigration and investment communities. While the program is being promoted as a fast-track to U.S. residency for wealthy individuals, it faces significant legal hurdles:

• Congressional Approval Needed: U.S. immigration law requires that new visa categories be created by Congress. Without legislative action, the Trump Card cannot be implemented as described.
• No Regulatory Guidance: There is no published guidance from U.S. immigration authorities on how (or if) the Trump Card would be processed.
• Potential Legal Challenges: Any attempt to bypass existing law could face court challenges and delays.

What Should EB-5 Investors Do?

For EB-5 investors and those considering U.S. investment immigration, the Trump Card is not a viable or legal option at this time. The only established and legally recognized investor visa remains the EB-5 program. While the Trump Card has generated excitement and media attention, it is currently just a proposal with no legal standing.

We strongly advise EB-5 investors to continue working with experienced advisors and legal counsel. Our team at GHBI Advisors is closely monitoring all developments and will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available. If you have questions about your options or the latest news, please contact us for a personalized consultation.