Trump Administration’s Immigration Policies Create New Investor Opportunities

The US immigration landscape is undergoing a significant transformation with the Trump administration’s announcement of new immigration measures aimed at reshaping the pathways to US residency and citizenship. These measures, announced on September 19, 2025, introduce new donation-based options while simultaneously increasing the cost of traditional employer-sponsored routes. Henley & Partners, a leading international residence and citizenship advisory firm, analyzes these developments, highlighting both the potential opportunities and challenges they present for international investors. While these new pathways generate considerable interest, Henley & Partners emphasizes the continued relevance and stability of the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program as a well-established and legislatively secured route to permanent US residency.

The three key measures introduced by the Trump administration include the H-1B Proclamation, the Gold Card Executive Order, and the Platinum Card Proposal. The H-1B Proclamation imposes a substantial USD 100,000 fee on each new H-1B petition, significantly raising the cost for employers sponsoring foreign workers and potentially limiting access to this long-standing visa category. This increased cost barrier may prompt more professionals to explore alternative, self-directed immigration pathways. The Gold Card Executive Order establishes a new route to residency through a donation-based system, requiring a USD 1 million contribution from individuals or USD 2 million from corporate sponsors. This pathway offers expedited approvals for applicants who successfully navigate rigorous pre-clearance checks, appealing to those seeking a faster and more streamlined process. Lastly, the Platinum Card Proposal, still in its nascent stages, proposes a USD 5 million contribution option, granting recipients the privilege of spending up to 270 days in the US without incurring US taxation on their foreign income. This proposal has garnered particular attention from ultra-high-net-worth individuals interested in wealth preservation and tax optimization strategies.

These new measures have elicited considerable interest within the global investor community. The increased cost of the H-1B visa is anticipated to drive more professionals towards exploring self-directed immigration options. The Gold Card, with its expedited processing and simplified structure, is expected to attract significant interest. Meanwhile, the Platinum Card, despite lacking finalized regulations, has already caught the attention of ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking advantageous tax planning opportunities. As these developments unfold, Henley & Partners remains committed to providing its clients with comprehensive guidance and insights on both the established and emerging immigration pathways.

While the new initiatives represent a shift in US immigration policy, Henley & Partners emphasizes the enduring importance of the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. This program, operating under the Reform and Integrity Act until 2027, offers a well-defined and legislatively anchored pathway to US permanent residency. With its established rules, transparent adjudication processes, and proven track record, the EB-5 program remains a reliable and predictable option for international investors seeking US residency. Henley & Partners underscores the program’s stability amidst the evolving policy landscape and continues to recommend it as a secure and established route.

Henley & Partners recognizes the appeal of the newly introduced Gold and Platinum Card options, particularly for certain investor profiles. The firm will continue to closely monitor these evolving proposals and provide clients with tailored advice on how these options align with their individual long-term immigration and financial goals. Simultaneously, Henley & Partners advises clients to consider the time-sensitive nature of the EB-5 program. Grandfathering protections, which offer certain benefits to investors, are set to expire in September 2026, and minimum investment amounts are scheduled to increase in January 2027. Therefore, timely action is crucial for investors seeking to capitalize on the current advantages offered by the EB-5 program.

In conclusion, the new immigration measures announced by the Trump administration mark a notable shift in US immigration policy. While the Gold and Platinum Card options present potentially attractive new avenues, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program remains a steadfast and reliable pathway to US permanent residency. Henley & Partners, with its extensive expertise in residence and citizenship planning, continues to advise clients on navigating the complexities of the evolving immigration landscape. The firm emphasizes the importance of acting decisively to secure the benefits of existing programs like EB-5 before impending changes take effect, while also exploring the potential advantages offered by the emerging donation-based pathways. As the details of these new initiatives unfold, Henley & Partners remains committed to providing its clients with clear and informed guidance, empowering them to make strategic decisions that align with their individual immigration and investment objectives.