NEW YORK, N.Y. — A controversial scheme allegedly linked to former President Donald Trump is under scrutiny for disrupting the EB-5 immigrant investor program, potentially sidelining thousands of Indian applicants seeking green cards.
According to multiple sources familiar with the matter and reviewing internal documents, the so-called “Gold Card Scheme” appears to have created an alternate processing track that prioritizes select, politically connected investors. Critics say the move has exacerbated the longstanding backlog among Indian investors in the EB-5 program—a system designed to grant permanent residency to foreign nationals who invest in U.S. job-creating projects.
The EB-5 visa program, established in 1990, has long been popular among Indian investors, who often face multiyear delays amid extremely high demand. Insiders now warn that the alleged Gold Card initiative, which promised expedited processing for favored applicants, undermines the program’s integrity by diverting resources from the regular queue.
“Instead of a fair, merit-based system, we’re seeing an opaque process where political connections may be prioritized over qualifications,” said an immigration attorney who asked not to be named. “This effectively penalizes thousands of genuine investors from India who have followed the established EB-5 route.”
The allegations stem from internal communications and leaked documents that suggest officials within the Trump administration, or those aligned with its agenda, may have quietly set up an expedited pathway—a “gold card” of sorts—to fast-track green card applications for a limited group. While details remain murky, the scheme is said to have offered streamlined review processes and reduced scrutiny for a subset of investors with ties to prominent political or business circles.
Indian investors, many of whom have committed millions of dollars through the EB-5 program, expressed dismay at the potential preferential treatment. “We invested our hard-earned money expecting a transparent and equitable process. Now, it seems that those with the right connections might get through at the expense of everyone else,” one investor remarked.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) declined to comment on the allegations. A spokesperson for Trump’s legal team dismissed the claims as politically motivated, stating that his immigration policies have always been focused on national security and economic growth rather than favoritism.
The controversy comes at a time when the EB-5 program is already under intense scrutiny. Lawmakers and immigration reform advocates have long criticized the visa for its susceptibility to abuse and its opaque management. In recent years, calls for reform have intensified, particularly after several high-profile cases raised concerns about fraud and mismanagement within the program.
Industry experts warn that any move perceived as skewing the EB-5 system toward preferential treatment is dangerous. “Every investor, regardless of their background or political affiliation, should be subject to the same rigorous review process,” said another expert familiar with immigration matters. “Allowing an alternate pathway not only distorts the program’s intent but also risks undermining investor confidence in the U.S. immigration system.”
The alleged Gold Card Scheme has ignited debate in Washington, with some members of Congress hinting at possible oversight hearings. Lawmakers are reportedly considering measures to ensure that all EB-5 applications are treated fairly and that any deviation from established processes is thoroughly investigated. “We must uphold the integrity of our immigration system,” one senior lawmaker stated. “Preferential treatment based on political connections is not only unfair—it’s dangerous.”
As discussions continue among policymakers, industry stakeholders, and affected investors, the controversy has added another layer of complexity to an already contentious immigration debate. With thousands of applications pending, any fallout from the scheme could affect not only future policy reforms but also the livelihoods of investors who have long relied on the EB-5 program as a pathway to a new life in the United States.
The unfolding story is expected to develop further as congressional oversight committees and investigative bodies begin to examine the claims in earnest. For now, both Indian investors and immigration advocates are calling for clarity and swift action to restore fairness and transparency to the EB-5 process.
