New U.S. Visa Policy: What It Means for Indian Students and Entrepreneurs

Impact of Trump’s $5 Million "Gold Card" Visa on Indian Students and Businesses

Newly Elected U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed a new $5 million "gold card" visa, replacing the existing EB-5 investor visa. This policy offers a direct path to U.S. citizenship for individuals who invest $5 million in the country. While this move could attract wealthy investors, it raises concerns about its impact on Indian students, professionals, and entrepreneurs.

Impact on Indian Students (UG & PG Flow)

The United States is a top destination for Indian students, with thousands enrolling in undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs every year. This new visa policy could influence student migration in several ways.

Challenges for Middle-Class Students

1.??? Limited Access for Most Students: The $5 million investment is unaffordable for middle-class Indian families who rely on education loans and scholarships.

2.??? No Relief for Visa & Work Permit Issues: The struggles of Indian students on F-1 visas, OPT, and H-1B programs remain unchanged.

3.??? Risk of Widening the Education Gap: This policy benefits wealthy students rather than meritorious ones, making access to U.S. education more financially driven.

Benefits for Wealthy Students

1.???? Easier Path to U.S. Residency: Rich Indian families can use this visa to secure permanent residency, avoiding student visa (F-1) and work permit (OPT, H-1B) restrictions.

2.???? Better Career Opportunities: Students with this visa won’t face challenges related to sponsorships and green card backlogs, making the U.S. a more stable option.

3.???? Potential Increase in High-Income Student Migration: More elite Indian students may choose U.S. universities, knowing they have a guaranteed path to citizenship.

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Impact on Indian Entrepreneurs & Businesses

India has many business owners and startup founders who aim to expand in the U.S. However, the new visa’s high financial requirement creates both opportunities and barriers.

Challenges for Small & Medium Entrepreneurs

1.???? Too Expensive for Many: The $5 million requirement is significantly higher than the previous EB-5 program's $800,000, making it unaffordable for most small business owners.

2.???? No Support for Tech Startups & Skilled Entrepreneurs: Many Indian entrepreneurs, especially in IT and technology, need better visa options rather than high-cost investment pathways.

3.???? Investment Risks: Committing such a large amount without guaranteed business returns in the U.S. could be risky for new investors.

Advantages for High-Net-Worth Entrepreneurs:

1.??? Easier Business Expansion: Rich Indian business owners can secure U.S. residency, making it easier to grow their companies in the American market.

2.??? No Work Visa Dependency: Business owners won’t need H-1B, L-1, or E-2 visas to operate in the U.S.

3.??? Stable Long-Term Residency: Unlike temporary visas, this program offers a direct path to U.S. citizenship, providing security for future business plans.

Finally,

Trump’s $5 million "gold card" visa is designed to attract wealthy individuals, but it excludes a large portion of Indians who seek U.S. opportunities based on merit, skills, and education rather than wealth. While it offers benefits for ultra-rich students and business tycoons, it does not address the visa struggles of skilled professionals, middle-class students, and small business owners.

For most Indian aspirants, the existing challenges with F-1, H-1B, and green card backlogs remain unresolved. This raises questions about whether the new visa truly benefits India’s talent pool—or simply opens the door for the super-rich.

The Economic Times

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