With the unveiling of the Trump Gold Card on September 19, 2025, high-net-worth immigrant investors now have a new option to consider when seeking permanent residency in the United States. The newly announced Trump Gold Card ($1 million per applicant*) joins the long-established EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, (minimum returnable investment of $800,000 per family) as a merit-based immigration pathway powered by a financial contribution.

Those evaluating the two options may want to consider how the immigration pathway they choose aligns with their financial situation, aspirations, and long-term planning for building wealth in America.

Let’s look at the math for a family of three considering their options:

• The Gold Card’s (EB-1/EB-2) entry cost would be about $3 million – a non-refundable cost in the form of a gift to the United States government.
• The EB-5 Immigrant Investor program requires a single $800,000** investment per family (including the principal applicant, spouse, and eligible children under 21 not previously married).
• Once the project is complete and the required “at-risk” period is satisfied, the new commercial enterprise (NCE) is able   to return investment capital to the investor.

The EB-5 pathway not only offers a route to a U.S. green card but also has the potential to provide the immigrant investor with a financial foundation to begin building family in America.

For example: After the return of the EB-5 capital, an immigrant family who invests the $800,000 into a market index fund could generate 10%[1] returns based on the historical market averages. The chart below represents a 10-year return scenario for the aforementioned family of three, assuming the EB-5 return at year five and subsequently invested in a market index fund:

The hypothetical family had the choice to spend $3 million on a non-refundable gift or potentially growing an $800,000 investment into $1.29 million[3].[4] Financials aside, both of these options promise to result in the same outcome for the family of three: permanent residency in the United States for each of them.

Successful return of capital in an EB-5 investment begins with proper due diligence and in selection of the right Regional Center partner. As one of the most experienced Regional Centers in the EB-5 industry, CMB Regional Centers’ track record of helping thousands of families achieve permanent residency is underpinned by a 100% project approval rate and more than $1.4 billion returned to investors.

If you are interested in exploring EB-5 investment opportunities or would like more information about how  EB-5 compares to the Trump Gold Card, please contact CMB Regional Centers at [email protected].

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* “Per-investor” is an assumption, for demonstrative purposes, based on interpretation of Executive Order.

** When investment is made in a qualified project in a rural or high-unemployment area, or a qualified infrastructure project

[1] Average Stock Market Return: S&P 500 Historical Performance | SoFi

[2] Average Stock Market Return: S&P 500 Historical Performance | SoFi

[3] Over a 10-year period.

[4] CMB Regional Centers is providing this example for demonstrative purposes and is not providing financial advice.  Please consult with your financial advisors for what investment plans may be best in your situation.