In recent days, various media outlets have reported that, after Donald Trump’s announcement, the United States would have “sold” about a thousand gold cards (Gold Visas) in just 24 hours. This event has generated enormous interest and also confusion, since it is not common to hear that a country facilitates residence to such a large volume of people with high purchasing power in such a short time.
What is a gold card and why does it cause such a stir?
The so-called gold card is presented as a type of privileged residence that requires a disbursement of 5 million dollars for those who wish to access its benefits. This high investment is part of a government strategy to attract foreign capital that generates an immediate and substantial economic impact in the United States.
According to Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Commerce under the Trump administration, the sale of 200,000 gold cards could bring in a trillion dollars and help reduce the national debt. What has aroused the greatest astonishment is the news that, in just 24 hours, a thousand applications linked to this special program would have been managed .
As a result of these headlines, many are wondering if this is true “express access” to U.S. residency. However, it is important to understand that authorities still review each case individually and that not all applicants will get final approval.
Trump’s Role in the Gold Card Acceleration
Although Donald Trump is known for strict immigration policies in other areas, attracting large investors has been a persistent interest. With the gold card, the president seeks to encourage the arrival of capital that boosts the local economy, generates jobs and activates projects in areas with growth potential.
The idea of a “sell-off” in record time is partly explained by the existence of investors around the world who see the United States as a safe environment to place their resources. These funds, when approved, provide the applicant with an immigration status that can pave the way to permanent residency, and eventually citizenship.
Why a thousand in a single day
The figure of a thousand gold cards in 24 hours could imply different circumstances:
- Backlog of previous applications: Many investors would have been preparing their documentation, waiting for an official announcement confirming the amount or conditions of the program.
- Media effect: The dissemination of a quota or window of limited opportunity (and a clear amount: 5 million dollars) generates an immediate peak of interest.
- Expectation of future changes: If it is rumored that the program could become even more expensive or that the conditions are tightened, applicants often speed up their procedures to take advantage of the current regime.
It should be noted that “a thousand gold cards” is not equivalent to a thousand guaranteed residences; It is a number of applications that must go through a process of review and verification of funds, which can take months or even years.
Controversies surrounding the gold card
The news that a thousand gold cards were “sold” in one day has sparked mixed opinions. Some see it as an effective strategy to boost the economy, while others criticise the apparent ease with which you can access resident status if you have sufficient means.
There are also concerns about transparency: verifying the origin of large sums of money is not always easy, and some analysts fear that million-dollar investments could camouflage illicit funds. The US authorities, for their part, insist that each transaction is subject to very strict compliance controls.
The Future of the EB-5 Visa:
Will investment amounts disappear or increase?
The EB-5 visa is another investment program that has been operating in the United States for decades. EB-5 has its own rules and does not necessarily require the $5 million of the new program announced by Trump. However, it has undergone important reforms over time:
- Minimum amounts on the rise: As of 2022, EB-5 calls for amounts ranging from $800,000 million to $1.05 million, depending on the location and nature of the project.
- Periodic renewals: The U.S. Congress periodically reviews the program, which generates uncertainty about its continuity or possible adjustments in the required amounts.
- Government interest: The U.S. government maintains the intention of attracting foreign capital that generates jobs, so the total disappearance of EB-5 is not expected. Most likely, new measures or automatic increases will be introduced to adjust investment to inflation.
Will there be convergence between the two programs?
Although the $5 million gold card and the EB-5 visa are different proposals, some specialists believe that in the future criteria could be unified or amounts could be equalized to simplify regulation. However, for now, they continue to be separate routes with different legal requirements and scopes.
Final Thoughts – What Can We Expect?
The news of the thousand gold cards sold in a single day demonstrates the strong interest generated by the United States as an investment destination. However, not all paths to residency are assured in the long term. The EB-5 program, for example, has faced multiple modifications and revisions in Congress, andits continuity is subject to political and legislative changes that could raise its minimum amounts or further restrict access.
Faced with this instability, the E-2 visa emerges as a more stable and accessible alternative for many investors. Unlike EB-5, which requires large outlays and uncertain timelines, the E-2 offers the possibility of establishing a business in the U.S. without requiring millionaire investments , provided that treaty agreements with the applicant’s home country are complied with and the viability of the undertaking is demonstrated.
One of the easiest ways to qualify for the E-2 visa is by acquiring a profitable franchise, as it allows you to present a proven business model to immigration authorities, with a clear plan of operations and realistic growth expectations. In addition, franchising provides support and training, reducing risk and making it easier to meet E-2 requirements, such as job creation and profitability projection.
How a Franchise Advisor Can Make a Difference
In this scenario, it is essential to have professional support that includes:
- Selection of eligible franchises: Not all franchises fit the immigration requirements and financial goals of each investor.
- Legal and immigration structuring: Correctly form the LLC, design the business plan, and align all documents according to USCIS guidelines.
- Constant updating: Migration policies may change. An expert advisor monitors these adjustments and guides the investor to avoid surprises.
At Interlink FBC, we understand the importance of transparency and accountability throughout the process. Our main objective is to guide couples, families and investors who want to start a business in the United States through franchises with profitable business models, complying with the requirements of the investor visa.
The news that the United States would have awarded about a thousand gold cards in one day reflects the great attraction that the American economy exerts on international investors. However, it is not a simple procedure or exempt from formal and legal requirements. For those who value the possibility of acquiring a profitable franchise and emigrating with the security of doing things right, having expert advice becomes an almost mandatory step.
If your purpose is to join this group of investors and families looking to grow in the United States, do so with a solid plan and a strategy backed by professionals.
Schedule a free initial consultation with our team to discuss your investment project in the U.S. and discover how to materialize your goal responsibly.
