Chilly Response to 'Trump Gold Card' Visa... Immigration Attorneys Also Turn Away

More Expensive and Less Favorable Than Investment Immigration
"Numerous Legal Issues Make Representation Unethical"

Immigration attorneys are advising against applying for the "Gold Card" visa program introduced by the Donald Trump Administration, which grants permanent residency to foreign high-net-worth individuals who make large investments. Attorneys are reportedly discouraging their clients due to legal uncertainties surrounding the program.

The Washington Post (WP) reported on the 10th (local time) after interviewing seven immigration attorneys who serve wealthy clients. WP stated that attorneys are advising clients not to apply for the Gold Card or are refusing to represent foreign nationals who have already applied. This is because the program is considered less favorable to clients compared to the existing investment immigration program, EB-5.

Next to U.S. President Donald Trump, there is a Trump Gold Card poster. Photo by AP Yonhap News Agency

Michael Wildes, an immigration attorney, said he has recently received inquiries from prospective clients interested in the Gold Card visa, but explained, "There are so many legal issues that there is almost nothing I can realistically do to help," adding, "Taking on such cases could be considered unethical." Wildes previously handled immigration procedures for First Lady Melania Trump and her parents, who are originally from Slovenia, and also managed visa matters for Miss Universe winners when President Trump was operating beauty pageants as a businessman.

Another immigration attorney, Rosanna Berardi, stated, "Our duty as immigration attorneys is to protect our clients' interests," and said, "Due to legal uncertainties and the significant costs clients must bear, we have decided not to take on Gold Card cases."

Since the end of last year, the Trump Administration has been promoting the Gold Card visa program, which grants U.S. permanent residency to those who invest between $1 million and $2 million (KRW 1.48 billion to KRW 2.96 billion). However, attorneys are warning about the risks of the program, citing several reasons: it is not an official visa scheme approved by Congress; there are ongoing related lawsuits; and there are uncertainties regarding tax issues. In contrast, the investment immigration program EB-5 requires an investment of $800,000 for permanent residency for both the applicant, their spouse, and minor children, and is backed by clear legal grounds. The Gold Card, on the other hand, requires an additional $1 million for each family member and can be abolished at any time by a single executive order.

According to government documents submitted to the court, a total of 338 Gold Card visa applications have been received so far, and among these, 165 cases have paid the non-refundable $15,000 (approximately KRW 22 million) fee. Of those, 59 cases have advanced to the stage of document preparation with the Department of Homeland Security.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.