Can Trump Fix Green Card Backlogs? EB2, EB5 & Gold Card

Can Trump actually fix the green card backlog mess – not just tweak it but fix it?  This is the type of question that cuts through the noise for thousands of immigrant investors, tech professionals, and highly skilled workers stuck in EB-2 and EB-5 backlogs. The answer carries real weight. Some have been waiting over a decade. Others? They’re staring down 50 years.

In conversation, Patrick Findaro and Alaattin Kilic sat down to unpack what a Trump comeback could mean for U.S. immigration, specifically around green card policy.

This conversation wasn’t campaign spin or secondhand speculation. It was a direct, candid look at what might actually be on the table, including a wild card idea: the so-called “Gold Card” for elite foreign workers.

“I don’t see any way it continues as is,” Patrick said, referring to the backlog situation under a second Trump administration. “Especially if Trump gets closer to the Indian Prime Minister, Modi.”

From deep-pocketed investors in Silicon Valley to top-tier engineers on H-1Bs, the implications are layered and the stakes are massive.

In this article, we’re breaking down that conversation – line by line. No filler. Just the facts, the forecasts, and the real talk from two insiders who know the system inside out.

The Long Wait: What’s Behind the Green Card Backlog?

The numbers aren’t just daunting—they’re discouraging. For skilled professionals born in India or China, applying through employment-based green card categories like EB-2 often means a wait that feels like a lifetime.

“Officially, it’s 10, 12, 15 years,” said Aladdin. “But some experts estimate it could be 50-plus years depending on the category,” Patrick added.

This bottleneck hits hardest for those who have already built careers and lives in the U.S., especially under visas like the H-1B, which ties workers to specific employers -- limiting mobility.

Aladdin highlighted how often this question comes up: “I was talking to a prospect who reached out to me through YouTube. He asked, ‘What do you think will happen to backlogs under Trump?’”

It’s not just hypothetical – it’s deeply personal. As families wait, kids age out of dependent status.

Workers remain stuck in roles they can’t leave without jeopardizing their status. And companies risk losing talent to countries with more streamlined immigration pathways.

If it feels like a system overdue for a reset, that’s because it is. And depending on what happens in 2025, change could be on the horizon.

Trump’s ‘Gold Card’ Proposal: Game-Changer or Guesswork?

When Patrick brought up the idea of the “Gold Card,” it wasn’t a punchline – it was a possible pivot. “There’s the gold card where he alluded to that companies can purchase a gold card for their employees,” he explained.

The concept? Big tech players like Apple or Google could potentially pay a steep price – “five mil,” Patrick mentioned—for a transferable green card-style benefit. “Maybe it’s portable. I give VJ this gold card and he has it for a certain number of years – five years – and he gets U.S. citizenship. And I’m able to give the gold card to someone else.”

Is it an official policy? Not yet. “That hasn’t been clarified,” Patrick noted. But it’s not without precedent – many global immigration systems offer fast-track options for highly skilled professionals backed by employers.

And it’s not just about companies cutting checks. The political backdrop matters, too. “Especially if Trump gets closer to Modi from India,” Patrick pointed out, highlighting the sheer number of high-earning Indians in tech – home with “closely held stock they own in these tech companies” – and the flow of money back to India.

“There’s even talk, a temporary solution doesn’t really solve the green card backlog, but an E-2 treaty with India,” he said. That alone, Patrick believes, “would really open up a lot of business for us and help a lot of Indians move to the U.S.”

While the details remain fuzzy, the tone of the conversation was clear: this isn’t just about immigration. It’s about retaining talent, strengthening economic ties, and unlocking business opportunities.

And if Trump is serious about regaining ground with immigrant voters and tech-sector donors, the Gold Card, or something like it, could be the wedge policy that gets attention.

Could Trump Actually Reduce the Backlog?

Aladdin asked the question on a lot of minds: “Do you think it’s going to continue as is under Trump?”Patrick didn’t hesitate: “I don’t see any way it continues as is.”

He pointed to the economic ties between the U.S. and India, and how political relationships could drive change. “Especially if Trump gets closer to Modi,” he said, adding that a huge number of Indians in the U.S. tech sector are earning between $200K and over a million.

‍“Some of them are multi-millionaires with the closely held stock they own in these tech companies.” This matters, Aladdin pointed out, because of where that money ends up.

‍“He doesn’t want money go out.”One idea being floated? An E-2 treaty with India. “Temporary solution doesn’t really solve the green card backlog,” Patrick said, “but an E-2 treaty... would really open up a lot of business for us and help a lot of Indians move to the U.S.”

‍Patrick’s optimism isn’t unfounded. “I think there will be a reduction in the backlog,” he said. With a Republican-controlled Congress and Trump advisors who understand the value of immigrant-driven business, movement on this issue feels more possible this time around.

He also mentioned something that often gets overlooked in the green card debate: talent retention. “You don’t want to be losing talent—AI talent,” he said.

The competition between the U.S. and China for innovation is real, and letting engineers leave the U.S. could tip the balance.Aladdin agreed. “I do expect Trump administration to sort of look at these backlogs and do something about it,” he said, suggesting changes could come through higher quotas or updates to the selection process.

Alternative Paths: EB-1A and the Case for Investing in Yourself

While the backlog drags on, Aladdin didn’t mince words about finding another way forward: “I don’t see any other way than to sort of keep working on your profile and just, you know, try to become a better version of yourself… to sort of try to qualify for higher preference of employment-based green cards.”Enter the EB-1A.

A category built for people at the top of their game—think top 5%, top 1%—with achievements that can be documented and defended. And for those stuck in the EB-2 line, Patrick made a strong case: “If they just ported and used this priority date for the EB-1A category, be current... We’re talking about 20K allocated to this process.”

‍That number includes it all—government fees, legal help, medical exams, documentation. “Where you could spend the next 12 months really improving your profile,” Patrick added.It’s not just theory. “We’ve seen that happen with our clients,” he said. “They’ve judged competitions… they’ve written articles… they’ve been featured in the press… they’ve joined associations of like-minded entrepreneurs, other talented individuals.”

‍The idea is to build visibility and recognition—not just within a company, but in the broader industry. “Maybe they have incredible goodwill internally and they work at a top consulting firm,” Patrick said. “They can go to some of the managing partners and get support letters… direct clients or even end consumers showing that what they’ve worked on has really changed—being an original contribution.

”If your children are aging out, or if you’re stuck in a queue with no end in sight, this category can be a lifeline. “Even if the odds right now are at 70%,” Patrick said, “it’s a shot I would take.”

Taking Control—Your Immigration Journey Starts With You

Patrick didn’t dance around the reality: “It falls on you if you’re backlogged.” And that’s the thread that ran through this entire conversation. Whether the Trump administration introduces a bold fix like the Gold Card, or tweaks quotas and criteria, waiting in line isn’t a strategy. Building your profile is.

The message from both Patrick and Aladdin was clear—immigration may be political, but your path doesn’t have to be passive. Sweat equity counts. “There could be a monetary investment as well towards your personal brand,” Aladdin said, referring to ways to amplify your achievements and get recognized in your field.

And it doesn’t stop at resumes and LinkedIn. “They can go to some of the managing partners and get support letters… clients or even end consumers showing that what they’ve worked on has really changed—being an original contribution,” Patrick added.

For those navigating the EB-2 green card backlog or stuck in EB-5 visa delays, the EB-1A path is one of the few ways to take control. Yes, it’s rigorous. Yes, it requires strategy. But for top talent, especially in tech and business, it’s real.Patrick closed it with what felt like a challenge—and a call to action: “Try to take the future of your immigration into your own hands. Take the American dream into your own hands.”

Wrapping Up

The green card backlog isn’t going away overnight, but Patrick made it clear—there’s room for movement. With Trump possibly back in office, closer ties to India, and a GOP-controlled Congress, we could see policies that bring real relief to EB-2 and EB-5 applicants.

Whether it’s a high-value route like the Gold Card or building a case for EB-1A, change favors the prepared.That’s where Visa Franchise steps in. As Aladdin said, “We can take a look at your profile and then, you know, we’ll take it from there.” Our in-house immigration attorneys and trusted filing partners work with you to map out a clear, customized plan.

From building your EB-1A profile to exploring investment options, we’re with you every step of the way.📩 Email patrick@visafranchise.com or message us on WhatsApp to start your immigration strategy today.

‘Gold Card’ FAQs

What is the “Gold Card” and where is it promoted officially?

The “Gold Card” proposal is promoted through trumpcard.gov,  which is an official website of the United States government and is operated by the Department of Commerce. Individuals can sign up for updates when the program becomes available. (Source: trumpcard.gov)

Does the Gold Card require job creation like the EB‑5 visa?

No. Unlike the EB‑5 program, which requires the creation of at least 10 U.S. jobs in addition to investment requirements, the Gold Card has no job creation requirement. It relies solely on a direct payment to the government. (Source: Bush Center)

Are there unique tax benefits for Gold Card holders?

Yes. A key distinction from EB‑5 visas is that Gold Card holders would not be liable for U.S. federal income tax on earnings earned outside the United States, according to President Trump. (Source: CNBC)

Is the Gold Card program currently active or operational?

No, it’s still in the proposal phase. The trumpcard.gov site currently allows for signing up for future updates, but no application process has been officially launched. (Source: trumpcard.gov Business Insider)

Can the executive branch implement this program without Congress?

Legal experts and immigration attorneys warn that the executive branch lacks the legal authority to create such a visa category on its own. Legislation by Congress must authorize the program. Until then, the Gold Card remains legally unformed. (Source: The Daily Beast)

What should interested individuals do now?

Given significant legal uncertainties and the absence of formal procedures, immigration lawyers advise caution. Experts recommend waiting until the program is officially legislated, regulated, and clarified. (Source: The Daily Beast)