Can Trump Gold Card Be Lifeline For Indians?
For Indians, the biggest hurdle remains the existing backlog in US immigration. Even if a new investment based option opens up, demand is expected to be extremely high.
By: Tupaki Desk | 13 Dec 2025 6:07 PM ISTAfter having tightened the immigration policies and visa issuance categories, United States president to Donald Trump recently introduced the Trump green card that would grant access to International immigrant if they pay a fee of $5 million.
The proposed Trump Gold Card immigration idea has generated curiosity among global investors, including many Indians, but its practical impact appears limited.
The concept is positioned as a premium pathway for wealthy foreigners to gain long term residency in the United States by making a significant financial investment. While it sounds attractive on paper, the reality is more complex, especially for Indian applicants.
For Indians, the biggest hurdle remains the existing backlog in US immigration. Even if a new investment based option opens up, demand is expected to be extremely high.
Countries like India and China already face long waiting periods across most employment and investment visa categories. As a result, Indians may still find themselves stuck in lengthy queues despite meeting financial requirements.
Another concern is affordability. The investment threshold discussed under the Gold Card idea is expected to be very high, making it accessible only to ultra wealthy individuals. For most professionals and business owners from India, traditional routes such as H1B employment visas or EB investment categories may continue to be more realistic options.
Experts also point out that policy announcements do not always translate into quick implementation. Immigration rules in the US often face legal, political and administrative delays. Until clear guidelines and timelines are announced, the Gold Card remains more of a headline grabbing proposal than a guaranteed solution.
Overall, while the Trump Gold Card sparks interest, Indians should not expect it to fast track US residency anytime soon.
