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Donald Trump's proposition of a Gold Card visa, requiring a substantial $5 million investment for fast-tracked American citizenship and aimed at incentivizing American companies to hire foreign talent, particularly from countries like India, has sparked considerable debate regarding its practicality and potential impact. The core argument revolves around whether American businesses would genuinely opt for this high-investment visa route to recruit foreign professionals, questioning its business sense and the overall benefits for Indian professionals seeking opportunities in the United States. Trump's rationale for introducing the Gold Card stems from the perceived loss of talent as international students graduating from prestigious American institutions like Harvard and Wharton often face uncertainty regarding their visa status, leading them to return to their home countries and establish successful businesses that create jobs elsewhere. The Gold Card aims to address this by providing a more secure pathway to citizenship for talented individuals, thereby retaining their skills and contributions within the American economy. However, the critical question remains: can the Gold Card visa realistically compete with existing visa options, particularly the H-1B visa, which has traditionally been the preferred route for both American companies seeking skilled workers and foreign professionals aspiring to work in the US? To properly assess the viability of the Gold Card, it's imperative to understand its intended role as an alternative to the existing EB-5 visa program. The EB-5 visa requires a $1 million investment and the creation of at least 10 jobs in the US, offering a pathway to a Green Card and eventual citizenship. While the EB-5 visa has been utilized by approximately 3,800 Indians in the past decade to relocate to the US, the Gold Card significantly increases the investment threshold to $5 million. This substantial increase raises concerns about its attractiveness compared to other visa options. The H-1B visa has been the most popular choice for both American companies and Indian professionals due to its lower cost and the availability of a substantial number of visas each year. The US issues 65,000 H-1B visas annually, with Indians historically securing a significant portion, exemplified by the 72% share in the 2022-23 cycle. Although the H-1B visa is a temporary work visa with a maximum duration of six years, it has often been used as a stepping stone to obtain a Green Card through Form I-40, allowing individuals to remain in the US indefinitely. However, the H-1B visa has faced increased scrutiny and criticism, especially during Trump's presidency, fueled by anti-immigration rhetoric and the 'hire Americans' agenda. Despite the political headwinds, the affordability and accessibility of the H-1B visa have made it the preferred option for both employers and employees. The application costs for an H-1B visa range from $2,010 to $7,380, depending on factors such as company size. Due to the high demand, a lottery system is implemented to select the professionals who will receive the opportunity to pursue the American Dream through the H-1B visa. Comparing the Gold Card and H-1B visa options reveals a significant disparity in costs. While an H-1B visa can cost an American company up to $8,000, the Gold Card requires a $5 million investment for each individual hired. Even if the Gold Card offers certain advantages, the cost difference is considerable, particularly given the fact that H-1B's can sponsor a pathway to permanent residence and citizenship. Given this cost differential, it appears highly improbable that companies will find it a viable option. It would seem the Gold Card's real purpose is to compete with, and potentially replace, the EB-5 investor visa.