What Could Trump’s “Gold Card” Mean for Thai Nationals?

[CharlieH]

What Could Trump’s “Gold Card” Mean for Thai Nationals?

 

President Donald Trump has announced plans for a new U.S. immigration pathway called a “gold card.” First proposed on February 25, 2025, Trump envisions the gold card replacing a U.S. visa category that has existed since 1990. Read more below to see what the introduction of a gold card could mean for Thai nationals.

What is a Gold Card?

Since legislation has not been passed yet, there are still some aspects that remain uncertain; however, if the gold card does become a lawful U.S. immigration pathway, it would be designed for wealthy individuals who can afford a substantial one-time fee. To be more specific, Trump’s plan is to charge individuals $5,000,000 in exchange for a gold card.

Who Could Be Eligible for a Gold Card?

President Trump stated to the press from the Oval Office that his plan is to, “...give [gold card purchasers] green card privileges, plus it’s going to be a route for citizenship. And wealthy people will be coming into our country by buying this card.”

 

It’s clear that the Trump administration plans to target high net worth individuals, such as:

 

• Business owners

• Corporate executives

• Doctors

• Attorneys

• Real estate investors

• Surgeons

• Etc.

 

The proposal also included plans to vet gold card purchasers before they may enter the United States. It remains unclear what the vetting process for a gold card would look like, but it is likely that Thai nationals would need to apply for one at a U.S. embassy or consulate in the same way they would apply for a green card.

Can I Still Apply for an EB-5 Visa?

Along with the proposal came the announcement that President Trump plans to drop the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program in favor of the gold card. The EB-5 Program has traditionally allowed foreign investors to make an investment in a U.S. company in exchange for lawful permanent residency in the United States. 

U.S. Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, said that the EB-5 Program has seen a high amount of “nonsense” and “fraud.” Therefore, the administration would likely seek to end this program if gold card legislation passes. 

 

However, as of this moment, Thai investors can still make an at-risk investment in a U.S. company to apply for an EB-5 visa. The current legislation in place says that the EB-5 Program will remain active until Sept. 30, 2027.

For more information and updates surrounding Trump’s gold card proposal, navigate to the gold card guide.