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How a Trump Presidency Could Affect EB5 Visa Processing Time in 2025 and Beyond

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How a Trump Presidency Could Affect EB5 Visa Processing Time in 2025 and Beyond

Jul 31, 2025 by Christopher Hankey

How a Trump Presidency Could Affect EB5 Visa Processing Time in 2025 and Beyond

 

This article has been presented by EB5 BRICS, View more here

 

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program has long offered wealthy individuals a path to U.S. permanent residency through job-creating investments. With the return of Donald Trump to the forefront of American politics, many foreign nationals—especially those from India and China—are asking what a second Trump presidency could mean for EB-5 green card processing times. Check for more info – https://www.eb5brics.com/how-long-is-eb-5-visa-processing-time 

Although Trump’s new immigration proposals, like the “Trump Card,” have attracted attention, the reality is more nuanced. His impact on EB-5 will depend on his administration’s priorities, legislative success, and how closely USCIS aligns with his immigration agenda.

Let’s explore the scenarios that EB-5 investors should prepare for.

Trump’s Past Approach to Immigration

During his first term (2016–2020), Trump emphasized strong immigration enforcement. While the EB-5 program wasn’t eliminated, it did suffer indirect effects under his leadership. The USCIS became slower and more scrutinizing across all immigration categories. Investors experienced more frequent Requests for Evidence (RFEs), particularly around source of funds documentation, and timelines stretched out significantly.

If Trump reverts to a similar strategy in a second term, we could expect increased processing delays for EB-5 applicants. Adjudication of I-526 petitions could slow, and consular appointments might be deprioritized in favor of enforcement-focused categories. This would be especially concerning for Indian investors, who already face longer wait times due to visa backlogs.

The Trump Card: An Uncertain New Competitor

In early 2025, Trump floated the idea of the “Trump Card,” previously known as the Gold Card. This visa proposal would allow ultra-wealthy foreign nationals to pay $5 million directly to the U.S. government in exchange for permanent residency—bypassing the traditional EB-5 requirements of investing in job-creating enterprises.

This proposal has captured the imagination of many, with nearly 70,000 expressions of interest logged through a dedicated website. However, the plan remains speculative. No formal application process, legal structure, or legislative backing currently exists. There’s no clear information on timelines, eligibility, or how it would be administered.

If it does become law, the Trump Card could either draw attention and resources away from EB-5 or serve as a high-end alternative. Either way, it would likely disrupt the current immigration investor ecosystem.

From a processing time standpoint, there are two key possibilities: it could siphon off high-net-worth individuals, slightly easing pressure on EB-5 and reducing wait times. Or, it could overwhelm USCIS and related agencies if new workflows are introduced without additional staffing or budget, further delaying EB-5 adjudications.

USCIS Funding and Operational Efficiency

One of the most direct ways a Trump presidency could impact EB-5 is through changes at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the agency responsible for processing EB-5 petitions. Under Trump’s previous administration, USCIS suffered from significant operational issues, including hiring freezes and budget shortfalls. These problems contributed to growing backlogs across all immigration categories.

Should Trump’s leadership team again prioritize enforcement agencies over immigration benefits, EB-5 cases may fall even lower in priority. This could translate to slower I-526 and I-829 processing, more administrative delays, and fewer consular processing resources allocated to EB-5 applicants.

On the other hand, if the Trump Card is actively developed and marketed, EB-5 may be included as part of a broader investor immigration strategy. In that case, the agency might receive more support, staffing, or streamlined procedures to encourage foreign investment. However, that’s speculative at best.

Legislative Landscape and the 2027 Deadline

The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, which brought several changes to the EB-5 program, is valid through September 30, 2027. This legislation includes protections for investors who file before the deadline, allowing them to proceed under the current rules—even if the program expires or changes later.

This is a critical consideration. A Trump presidency would run from 2025 through 2029, giving him the power to influence how (or if) Congress renews or modifies the EB-5 program beyond 2027. If Trump’s administration supports a shift toward the Trump Card or another alternative, the EB-5 program could lose legislative attention or funding. Investors filing after the 2027 expiration date could face uncertain timelines, depending on what Congress and the administration decide.

The safest course of action for prospective investors is to file before September 30, 2026, to ensure they are grandfathered into the existing program.

Special Considerations for Indian Nationals

Indian EB-5 applicants face some of the longest wait times in the program due to the country-based cap on visas. Combined with the counting of family members (derivatives) against the annual cap, Indian investors often wait three to five years or more before receiving conditional green cards.

During his prior administration, Trump signaled support for removing per-country caps in employment-based immigration—something that would benefit Indian nationals. However, his broader immigration policy was restrictive, and legislative efforts to modernize or improve legal immigration often stalled under his leadership.

If Trump takes a merit-based, investment-friendly approach in his second term, Indian applicants might benefit from backlog relief. But if he reverts to hardline tactics that deprioritize legal immigration reform, delays could worsen—or at the very least, continue unchecked.

Investor Takeaways and Recommendations

A Trump presidency could go in multiple directions for EB-5 investors. If the administration is pro-investor and supports programs like the Trump Card, it could introduce new options—but also administrative delays. If the focus returns to restrictive immigration policy, EB-5 may become collateral damage, experiencing more red tape and longer timelines.

To navigate this uncertainty, EB-5 investors—especially those from high-demand countries like India—should consider the following:

  • File early: Submitting an I-526 or I-526E petition before September 30, 2026, ensures you’re protected under the current EB-5 framework.
  • Watch the Trump Card carefully: While not yet law, if it becomes viable, it could influence or compete with EB-5 timelines.
  • Prepare for delays: Regardless of who wins in 2024, USCIS remains burdened with backlogs. Be realistic about a 2–3 year minimum timeline.
  • Work with experienced legal counsel: In a shifting immigration environment, professional guidance is essential to avoid missteps.

For more information on EB-5 timelines, refer to the USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-fifth-preference-eb-5/eb-5-questions-and-answers

 

Final Thoughts

The EB-5 program has proven resilient through multiple administrations and political climates. However, a second Trump presidency introduces new variables—some promising, others potentially disruptive. The proposed Trump Card visa has added uncertainty to the EB-5 landscape, and policy shifts under his leadership could either accelerate or stall green card processing for investors.

Until clearer guidance emerges, the best strategy remains: file early, stay informed, and hedge your position before 2027. For Indian investors in particular, this window may be critical to lock in a future under a known legal structure before the next big policy change arrives.

dog bite lawyers

Animal Attacks – Dog Bite Lawyers

Jan 28, 2025 by Christopher Hankey

This Blog was brought to you by The Carabin Shaw Law Firm – Call Shaw! – Personal Injury Lawyers

Animal Attacks – Dog Bite Lawyers

Over a quarter of a million dog bite, victims need to go to the emergency room each year at the cost of over one billion dollars. This is just a fraction of the people bitten by dogs, which the Centers for Disease Control placed at about four and a half million victims. Between 30 to 35 people are bitten so severely that they die of their wounds. Find more information about Dog Bite Injury Attorneys in San Antonio here
Texas Dog Bite Law
The state of Texas can hold a dog owner responsible if the dog bites and injures another human being. The owner of any dog that bites any person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private home, including the property of the owner of the dog, is liable for damages suffered by persons bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such cruelty. One caveat is that the dog owner’s liability can be reduced if the victim’s negligence contributed to their being bitten, such as if they provoked the dog. More about our dog bite-animal attack Attorneys here
What To Do If Bitten
A dog bite can be a puncture wound from the animal’s fangs or a laceration in the skin. Sometimes the teeth don’t break the skin and cause a bruise. Dogs with mighty jaws can leave crushed wounds, especially in children. A bite that’s broken the skin needs to be treated. If possible, the person who treats the damage should wear latex gloves or try to find a place to thoroughly wash their hands before and after administering first aid. A wound not bleeding profusely should be washed with mild soap and running water. Then, it should be treated with a topical antibiotic and covered with a clean bandage. If the person’s been bitten on their hand, they should see a doctor right away. The person should also be taken to an emergency room if they’re bleeding severely and first aid measures don’t help. They should also see a doctor if they haven’t had a tetanus shot in five years. If the wound is bleeding profusely, a clean cloth should be pressed against it, and the area should be elevated. The damage should be watched for the next day or two to ensure it doesn’t become infected. This would present as swelling, redness, and pain in the bite area.

Compensation
Despite of the frequency of dog bites, only about 15,000 to 16,000 victims are compensated. The average compensation is a little less than $22,000 per victim, and it’s usually paid out of homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.

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Choose the Auto Accident Injury Attorney who’s Right for Your Case

May 26, 2022 by Christopher Hankey

Choose the Auto Accident Injury Attorney who’s Right for Your Case

If you have been in a car accident, you need to contact an attorney who can give you the best results possible. Our car accident attorneys suggest that you speak with two or three before choosing the one to handle your case. Ask him about his experience in handling cases similar to yours. Make sure to discuss his record in litigating and settling similar car accident cases. Also, ask the attorney to provide you with the name and contact information or a former client or two with cases similar to yours. And then call them. Do not hire a San Antonio car accident attorney unless you trust him or her and are confident in their ability to handle your case.

Did You Know?
Our attorneys have been fighting for car accident victims` rights for over 30 years. Call us to discuss your case. Ask them if they’ll do what we do, which includes:

Ensure that our clients receive the medical care they require to recover from their injuries.
Conduct an in-depth investigation to determine the cause of the San Antonio car accident. This includes asset checks of all defendants to make certain they can pay damages.
Gather evidence, including witness statements, photographs, forensic tests, and police reports that we will need to prove your claims.
Respond to and send discovery requests.
Manage ALL the paperwork, filings, responses, and all phone calls related to your claims.
Use our stellar reputation to pressure the defendants into a fair settlement.
Act as mediators for our client’s cases.
File lawsuits and argue them aggressively to prove your damage case before a jury.
Fairly and accurately calculate all damages resulting from the car accident and demand fair compensation for you.
The period after a car accident is often stressful and confusing. Don’t add to it and the confusion it creates by letting an inexperienced attorney handle your car accident case or represent yourself when you are clearly unqualified. With over 30 years of experience, we are uniquely qualified and fully prepared to get you the best results possible. If you or someone you know were injured in a car accident, contact an attorney at our Texas Law Office today for a free consultation and find out how we can help you.

Your accident injury attorney will patiently listen to you, analyze your case, and explain your options. Call today for a free consultation. Our goal is to make sure that you recover as much as possible for your injuries and make this sometimes complicated legal process as easy as possible for you to bear.

Has a Family Member Been Injured in a Car Accident? Discuss Your Personal Injury Case With an Attorney Today

You’re probably one of the millions of safe drivers in Texas. But that doesn’t mean the person behind the wheel of the vehicle that hits you is. Car accidents are too common an experience. Most of them are little more than a minor fender bender on a freeway or boulevard during rush hour that makes you late for your destination. But on the other hand, they can be destructive wrecks that cause devastating injuries that are often accompanied by deep physical and psychological scars.

The victims of such tragedies (and their families) suddenly find their world topsy-turvy in the immediate wake – and beyond – of a serious auto accident in which they were reluctantly involved. And if a family member is hanging-on for dear life in ICU after emergency surgery, sometimes the thought of a family’s compensation rights takes a back seat to this disturbing fact. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t vital to the family’s sudden financial need.

After a serious auto accident that is caused by another driver’s negligence, you and your family can rightfully seek compensation for the financial, physical, and emotional injuries suffered from the car crash. But it is impossible to compute the amount you may be entitled to by yourself because the damages you have a right to seek depend on the unique circumstances of your case that you are woefully unqualified to tackle. And navigating the complicated path to such compensation is impossible without the know-how and legal tenacity of an auto accident injury lawyer. If you must receive the fairest legal compensation, you have to accept this profound need to hire an attorney, any attorney with a long and effective history of experience in personal injury.

What we hope to do in this article is to explain some of the basics of auto personal injury cases for you. But if you’ve been involved in a little fender-bender with no complications or injuries other than a mildly sprained ankle or a couple of harmless bruises, you can probably handle things on-your-own because all you are likely dealing with is damaged property. Just be cautious and look for the signs of pending trouble sooner than later (in which case, you would be wise to bookmark this page). More about our San Antonio Car Accident Lawyer

But if you call your auto accident a “car wreck,” we strongly urge you – rather than hire your nephew who just passed the bar or a friend who went to law school for a few semesters – to quickly retain an experienced auto accident lawyer who knows the complicated and treacherous playing field that is car accident litigation.

Put our years of experience to work for you. If you want to know what your rights are, how to proceed with your claim, and how much compensation you can secure from your auto accident case, call our Law Firm now for a free consultation and find out how we can help you.