Trump’s $5M Golden Visa Program: How It Could Impact U.S. Businesses and Global Talent

The United States is shifting its immigration policy in a way that could change who gets to live and work in the country. Instead of prioritizing job creation or skilled workers, a new visa proposal under President Donald Trump would allow the wealthiest individuals to buy their way into America—for a staggering $5 million. Trump’s Golden visa program is set to replace the existing EB-5 investor visa, which previously allowed foreign nationals to obtain green cards by investing $800,000 to $1 million in U.S. businesses while creating at least ten American jobs. Under the new proposal, job creation is no longer required—just a massive cash payment.

This change raises serious concerns. While other countries, such as Canada, Portugal, and Australia, offer investor visas, none demand such a high price with so little in return for the local economy. More importantly, this policy could divert attention away from employment-based visas, leaving American businesses struggling to hire skilled international workers.

So, who actually benefits from this? And what does this mean for global talent looking to contribute to the U.S. economy? 

What Is Trump’s $5M Golden Visa Program?

The Gold Card visa is a new proposal that would grant permanent U.S. residency to foreign nationals willing to pay $5 million to the U.S. government. Unlike the EB-5 investor visa, which requires capital to be invested in businesses and generate jobs, this program eliminates the job-creation requirement altogether.

Key Features of the Gold Card Visa:

• It requires a $5 million upfront investment in the U.S. government.
• Grants permanent residency (green card) with a pathway to citizenship.
• No business investment or job creation required.
• Specifically designed for ultra-wealthy individuals, not skilled professionals.

Trump has framed this program as a way to attract high-net-worth individuals to the country. However, the policy does not ensure economic benefits, job growth, or innovation, raising concerns about its overall value to the U.S.

How This Policy Compares to Other Global Golden Visa Programs

Investor visa programs exist worldwide, but the U.S. $5 million price tag makes it one of the most expensive options available. Most countries set lower investment thresholds and require direct economic contributions through business investments or real estate purchases.

Key Differences Between the U.S. and Other Countries

1. Higher Cost – The U.S. Gold Card visa is one of the most expensive in the world. In countries like Portugal or Greece, investors can qualify for residency for a much lower amount.
2. No Investment in the Economy – Other countries require investors to buy property, start businesses, or invest in industries that create jobs. The Gold Card visa only requires a payment to the government, with no direct benefit to U.S. businesses or workers.
3. Easier Requirements for Investors – Many countries have rules about learning the language, living there for a certain amount of time, or being part of the community. The Gold Card visa has no such requirements, making it easy for wealthy individuals to get U.S. residency.

What This Means for Investors and the U.S.

Because the Gold Card visa is so expensive and doesn’t require investors to create jobs or help the economy, many wealthy individuals may choose other countries with lower costs and better investment opportunities. This means that the U.S. could lose out on business growth and job creation that other countries gain from their golden visa programs.

By focusing only on collecting money from the richest applicants, the U.S. may miss the chance to attract job-creating entrepreneurs and skilled workers, which are more valuable for long-term economic growth.

More: Immigration Under Trump: 6 Major Policy Shifts You Need to Know

What Are the Key Implications of the Golden Visa Program?

• How Does the Golden Visa Program Shift Immigration from Job Creation to Wealth-Based Entry?

Historically, investor visas such as EB-5 served a dual purpose: allowing wealthy individuals to immigrate while also stimulating economic growth. The new Gold Card visa removes that balance—replacing business investment with a purely transactional approach.

Instead of investing in a company that hires U.S. workers, develops infrastructure, or expands industries, applicants simply wire $5 million to the government and receive a green card.

This shift raises concerns:

• Fewer immigrant entrepreneurs will build businesses in the U.S.
• There’s no guarantee of economic benefits, as funds go to the government rather than private sector growth.
• The visa creates a fast-track system only for the ultra-rich, sidelining job-creating investors.

The previous EB-5 program at least ensured that immigrant capital contributed to the economy. Without that requirement, the Gold Card visa looks more like a cash-for-residency scheme.

• Why the Golden Visa Program Won’t Address Skilled Talent Shortages

America’s economy depends on skilled tech, engineering, healthcare, and finance professionals. However, this new policy does nothing to help businesses recruit top-tier global talent.

Key Issues with the Gold Card Visa for Skilled Workers:

• It targets investors, not skilled professionals, so it won’t bring in scientists, engineers, or medical experts.
• The H-1B visa and green card backlog remains unresolved, making it difficult for talented workers to stay in the U.S.
• Companies struggling with labor shortages in high-demand industries will see no benefit from this program.

Other countries, like Canada and Germany, actively recruit skilled workers through streamlined immigration policies. If the U.S. prioritizes wealth-based immigration over employment visas, it could lose its competitive edge in attracting global talent.

• How Will This Policy Impact the Global Talent Pool and U.S. Competitiveness?

The U.S. has long been a magnet for the world’s brightest minds. However, the Gold Card visa sends a clear message: money matters more than skills.

Potential Global Consequences:

• Highly educated professionals may choose other countries with easier pathways to residency.
• The U.S. could see a decline in STEM and healthcare talent, which are already in short supply.
• Countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK may gain a competitive advantage by prioritizing skilled immigration.

If the U.S. focuses on investor visas over employment-based green cards, it risks falling behind in innovation and productivity.

Potential Economic and Social Impacts

This visa program could have wider consequences beyond immigration. Similar programs in Europe and Asia have led to:

1. Rising Housing Prices – In cities like Vancouver and Lisbon, golden visas artificially inflate real estate markets, making housing less affordable for locals.
2. Money Laundering Risks – Programs that accept large sums of cash with minimal oversight can attract illicit financial activity.
3. Public Perception Issues – When governments prioritize the rich over workers, social and political backlash often become more likely.

If not properly regulated, the Gold Card visa could create more economic problems than it solves.

Need Expert Guidance on U.S. Immigration? Contact 360 Immigration Law Today!

U.S. immigration can be complicated, especially with new programs like the golden visa program. Having the right guidance is important if you’re an investor looking for residency or a business needing help with work visas. At 360 Immigration Law Group, we help people and businesses understand their visa options and find the best way to stay in the U.S. legally. Call us today at 954.667.3660 for a free consultation and get the help you need with your immigration process.