Latest news with #EB-5ReformandIntegrityAct
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
EB-5 vs Gold Card: What lies ahead for US investment immigration?
EB-5: A Program Built on Economic Substance and Legal Rigor Launched in 1990 by Congress, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program was designed to stimulate the U.S. economy through capital infusion and job creation. The concept is straightforward but requires strategic planning: invest, create employment, and, in return, earn the right to permanent U.S. residency. 1992 marked the debut of Regional Centers, which enabled pooled investments into large-scale projects. 2022: The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA) marked the most comprehensive reform in the Regional Center program's history, introducing: Increased minimum investment levels. Allocation of 32% of EB-5 visas to specific reserved categories. Authorization for concurrent filing of adjustment of status applications. Reauthorization through September 30, 2027, with "grandfathering" protections for petitions filed by September 30, 2026. Strengthened compliance mechanisms and investor safeguards. Clearer rules around redeployment of capital if funds are returned before conditions are removed. Harsher penalties for violations and non-compliance. Live Events Invest $800,000 in a designated Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1,050,000 elsewhere. Create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. Keep their investment "at risk" for a defined minimum period. Pursue a conditional green card with a pathway to permanent residency and eventual U.S. citizenship. The Trump Gold Card: Hype, Hope, and Legal Grey Zones Minimum Investment: $5 million—significantly higher than EB-5. Job Creation: No specifics have been outlined. Citizenship Path: Advertised as faster, but timelines are indeterminate. Tax Promises: Implied exemption from U.S. taxes on foreign income, though this conflicts with current U.S. tax law. Implementation Mechanism: Intended to be launched via executive order, raising questions about its legal durability and withstanding judicial scrutiny. Transparency: The proposal primarily exists through promotional materials and lacks a formal regulatory or legislative framework. Expedited Path to Citizenship: An expedited route to U.S. citizenship, though specific timelines remain ambiguous. Ambiguity: No published regulations or legislative approval; only conceptual materials and speculative marketing exist. Legality: The legal basis appears to rely on executive action, raising concerns about the program's longevity and enforceability without Congressional endorsement. EB-5 vs. Trump Gold Card: A Legal and Practical Comparison Feature EB-5 Program Trump Gold Card Legal Basis Act of Congress (1990), RIA (2022) Executive proposal, no statutory backing Investment Threshold $800K (TEA) / $1.05M $5M minimum Job Creation 10 full-time jobs Undefined Path to Citizenship Approx. 5–7 years Promised to be faster, details unclear Oversight Subject to USCIS, SEC, CFIUS No outlined oversight mechanisms Taxation Subject to global income tax Claimed exemption, legally unviable Current Status Active, reauthorized through 2027 Not yet implemented Legal and Commercial Implications Impact on Stakeholders Regional Centers: Given the ambiguity, some may rush to secure capital before policies change, which could destabilize ongoing projects. Businesses: Entrepreneurs relying on EB-5 funding may encounter delays or disruptions. Investors: Those with pending EB-5 applications likely remain protected, but the emergence of unregulated alternatives creates anxiety and confusion. There is also the fear of changes that may have a retroactive effect. For decades, investment-based immigration has provided a legitimate and structured pathway for global investors to establish roots in the United States. Chief among these routes is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program—a longstanding mechanism combining economic contribution with immigration opportunity. Yet, as the U.S. moves deeper into a climate of political shifts and evolving policy rhetoric, a new and ambiguous proposal has entered the fray: the 'Trump Gold Card.'This article explores the legacy and current trajectory of the EB-5 program, compares it with the speculative Gold Card, and offers legal insight into what potential investors should consider amidst the then, the program has undergone several key transformations:(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)To qualify, investors must:The RIA also mandates regular audits, significantly raised filing fees (by as much as 204% in some cases), and tightened scrutiny on regional center operators through enhanced background these advances, delays remain a persistent issue. As of 2025, applicants from China, India, and Vietnam face severe visa backlogs, and emerging retrogression concerns are beginning to affect investors from other nations as replace the EB-5, the Trump administration has floated the idea of a new investment immigration vehicle dubbed the "Gold Card." While promoted as a streamlined and prestigious route for elite entrepreneurs and wealthy investors, the concept currently lacks legislative what we currently know:At present, the Gold Card lacks a formal legal framework, and numerous questions persist regarding its economic viability, fairness, and regulatory immigration lawyers, we often caution against shortcuts in complex regulatory landscapes. The EB-5 Program—though intricate—is a legally robust option supported by decades of legislative and procedural refinement. It demands transparency, due diligence, and cross-disciplinary collaboration (including with experts in securities, corporate, and tax law).In contrast, the Gold Card lacks clarity, structure, and most importantly, legal certainty. The absence of regulatory safeguards, job creation mandates, and capital risk protections opens the door to misuse and potential litigation, particularly if retroactive policies are imposed on pending the Gold Card's $5 million price tag may limit its appeal, especially when more economical investor migration programs are available in other immigration is not a transaction, but a profoundly strategic decision with lasting implications for families, businesses, and economies. While innovation in immigration policy is welcome, it must be grounded in enforceable law, transparency, and ethical EB-5 Program, though not without flaws, offers a time-tested route. In contrast, the Trump Gold Card is, at best, a concept in a vacuum of regulatory accountability and practical role, as immigration professionals, is not merely to process petitions—it is to be a trusted partner in the investor's journey. This involves anticipating legal pitfalls, collaborating with experts across domains, and empowering clients with advice rooted in fact, not rhetoric. Clarity and caution are the investor's best allies in these uncertain times.
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump to roll out $5M gold card visa to attract rich migrants. The countries they're leaving and where they're going
In late February, President Donald Trump said he will replace the EB-5 immigrant investor visa program with a 'gold card' that can be bought for $5 million and could offer a path to U.S. citizenship. 'The people that can pay $5 million, they're going to create jobs,' said Trump when he unveiled his plans at the first cabinet meeting of his term. 'It's going to sell like crazy. It's a bargain.' I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Home prices in America could fly through the roof in 2025 — here's the big reason why and how to take full advantage (with as little as $10) Americans with upside-down car loans owe more money than ever before — and drivers can't keep up. Here are 3 ways to cut your monthly costs ASAP Trump also suggested that revenue from these gold cards would help pay down the nation's deficit. The current EB-5 visa program allows investors to apply for permanent residency if they invest at least $1.805 million in a U.S. business in an economically depressed area and 'plan to create or preserve 10 permanent full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers.' While there have been cases of fraud and misuse of funds under the EB-5 program, oversight has improved since former president Joe Biden signed the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act in 2022. Some proponents say there's no reason why the U.S. couldn't keep both the EB-5 visa and the gold card. Read more: An alarming 97% of older Americans are carrying debt into retirement — here's why and 4 simple things you can do if you're stuck in the same situation It's not yet clear what will happen to current EB-5 visa holders, but some prospective applicants are not happy with the idea of forking over $5 million to the U.S. government rather than investing their money in a business. According to Henley & Partners, a global consultancy firm specializing in investment citizenship, 128,000 millionaires migrated to a new country in 2024 — more than double the 57,000 who migrated in 2014. The firm projects that growth will continue, with an expected 135,000 millionaire migrants in 2025. As geopolitical tensions persist in several regions of the globe and threaten to expand, some millionaires are moving for safety and security. Others are moving for lower taxes, a better standard of living or work and business opportunities. The Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2024 reveals that millionaire immigrants were most likely to come from China, the U.K., India, South Korea and Russia. While it may seem obvious why people are leaving regions engaged in ongoing conflict, it may be less obvious why millionaires are leaving the U.K. in droves. High taxes, including a new VAT on private schools and proposed changes to taxes on non-domiciled residents are driving U.K. millionaires to move to lower-tax jurisdictions. 'Since Labour came to power, one millionaire left the U.K. every 45 minutes,' the Independent reports. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the No. 1 destination for millionaires, followed by the U.S. in second place. Singapore, Canada and Australia rounded out the top five destinations. The UAE is popular thanks to its own Golden visa program, offering a five- or 10-year renewable residence visa to investors and entrepreneurs, as well as students, frontline workers and 'pioneers of humanitarian work.' While the UAE has a growing economy and job opportunities in the finance, technology and construction sectors, it also offers an emerging real estate market and a high-end lifestyle. But, perhaps most importantly for some millionaires, income is tax-free. Other global destinations like Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain are popular with wealthy migrants because of their climate and lifestyle. Each has different golden visa requirements, but often require that you buy real estate of a certain value in addition to having a certain amount of investment assets. Many European and Caribbean destinations are popular because they don't have residency requirements. American millionaires are also on the move. A record number of wealthy Americans are looking for second passports or long-term residences abroad in the face of political, social and economic increasingly view one passport as a concentration of risk and are looking to diversify just as they do with their financial portfolios. A 2024 survey by Arton Capital found that approximately 53% of wealthy U.S. citizens were planning to leave the country following the November election, regardless of outcome. Following the election, Henley & Partners told CNBC that the number of Americans making plans to emigrate was up at least 30% from the previous year. It remains to be seen in 2025 whether the U.S. will retain in No. 2 spot on Henley's Migration Report — and whether the gold card will attract more millionaires. But for anyone considering a move, it makes sense to consult with a firm that specializes in helping wealthy individuals emigrate. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Protect your retirement savings with these 5 essential money moves — most of which you can complete in just minutes This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Roya News
26-02-2025
- Business
- Roya News
What is Donald Trump's "Gold Card" visa?
The US government has announced a new immigration pathway for individuals seeking American citizenship. President Donald Trump revealed plans to introduce a "Gold Card" for immigrants at a cost of $5 million. The premium version of the Green Card is designed to provide wealthy investors with a direct route to US citizenship and will replace the EB-5 visa program, which has been in place for 35 years. "We will sell the Gold Card at a price of about $5 million. It will grant Green Card privileges and serve as a pathway to American citizenship. Wealthy individuals will come to our country, invest, pay taxes, and create jobs," Trump stated during a signing ceremony at the Oval Office on February 25 alongside Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The president added that the Gold Card visa scheme would launch in two weeks and suggested that his administration would not require congressional approval to implement the program. However, specific details on its implementation remain unclear. What is the EB-5 visa program being replaced? Established by Congress in 1990, the EB-5 visa was designed to boost the US economy through foreign investment. It allowed immigrants to obtain a Green Card by investing at least $1 million in a business that created at least 10 jobs. In March 2022, former President Joe Biden signed the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act, introducing new regulations to address concerns about fraud and misuse in the program. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick criticized the EB-5 visa, calling it an avenue for corruption. What is Trump's 'Gold Card' visa? According to Lutnick, the Gold Card will function similarly to the Green Card, granting permanent residency and a pathway to US citizenship. However, it will come at a higher price to ensure only serious investors apply. "The EB-5 program is full of fraud and nonsense. It offers Green Cards at an unfairly low price. Instead of continuing this flawed system, the president has decided to end the EB-5 program," Lutnick stated.
