Donald Trump, in an unexpected move announced plans to sell U.S. green cards under the EB-5 category for $5 million, introducing a “Gold Card” for investors. He believes that offering green cards in the investment category at a low price is pointless, so he has made it a premium option with a $5 million price tag.
Other than Trump’s mention of the Gold Green Card being on sale for $5 million with two weeks delivery and his three-minute video speech, there is no further information on this yet.
But, the real question is: who could afford this $5 million gold card, which is ₹41 crore in Indian currency?
Earlier, the EB-5 investment requirement ranged between $700K to $1 million, but with the new $5 million price, the Indian equivalent is significantly higher.
Who in India would actually buy this Gold Card Green Card?
Looking at it from an Indian perspective, it seems unrealistic. Even Indian Politicians, who are assumed to have vast amounts of money, would face legal challenges in bringing such a large sum into the U.S. since they would need to convert their binami assets into white money.
Even if a wealthy politician wanted to start a business in the U.S. and secure this Gold green card for a family member, how would they legally convert and transfer such a massive amount? Next, consider India’s wealthiest entrepreneurs—those who have amassed enormous fortunes. What motivation do they have to invest in the U.S. under this program?
The same bureaucratic hurdles and regulations would apply to them, making the process unappealing.
Beyond these two categories, it is absurd to even discuss others—whether upper-middle-class or rich individuals—because no one else can realistically afford to bring 40+ crores into the U.S. just for a green card.
From an Indian perspective, this gold card scheme is meaningless and practically impossible for anyone to pursue.
The only ones who might have access to such amounts are those involved in massive financial scams, but even then, why would they choose to invest in the U.S. under this program?
Meanwhile, MAGA supporters believe Trump will sell 1 million gold cards at $5 million each, generating a $5 trillion boost for the U.S. economy. If they truly believe this, they couldn’t be more foolish.
