Donald Trump’s recent victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election has generated discussions on its potential effects on immigration policies, but Indian high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) eyeing the EB-5 Investor Visa can expect “business as usual,” according to Binu Varghese, Regional Director – India at RIF Trust.
While Trump’s anti-immigration stance was central to his campaign against the Biden administration, Varghese reassures that the EB-5 visa program, which grants a path to U.S. citizenship for investors, will remain unaffected. “The minimum $800,000 threshold is not going to increase in the immediate future, nor will the benefits of a green card and eventual U.S. citizenship disappear,” Varghese said. “The EB-5 is here to stay, and the election result changes nothing, meaning the value it offers Indian investors continues to shine.”
Trump’s administration from 2017 to 2021 maintained the program, even while implementing various restrictions on immigration. During Trump’s previous term, even when he enacted temporary immigration suspensions, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) continued issuing EB-5 visas. Trump’s policy history suggests that his renewed anti-immigration stance is unlikely to impact the EB-5 program. Moreover, his successor and predecessor, Joe Biden, extended the program’s authorization until 2027, underscoring its role as a stable investment pathway.
The EB-5 visa, also known as the Employment-Based Fifth Preference Visa, has been a significant conduit for foreign direct investment into the U.S. since its inception in 1990. With its enduring appeal, Indian HNWIs and global investors continue to leverage the program for U.S. residency and future citizenship, making it a stable choice despite shifting political winds.
RIF Trust, a global leader in residency and citizenship-by-investment solutions, has supported over 10,000 clients in securing second passports and residence permits, emphasizing that the EB-5 program is a sound choice for investors seeking U.S. residency. Operating in over 20 global locations, RIF Trust’s expertise offers Indian HNWIs a reliable partner amid the evolving U.S. political landscape.
