U.S. Tightens Immigration Control: 3,000 Arrests Per Day – EB-5 Remains the Only Clear Legal Path

News updated via New York Post, May 28, 2025

The Trump administration is launching one of the largest immigration enforcement campaigns in U.S. history, with a target of 3,000 arrests per day — totaling over 650,000 people per year.
This campaign not only targets undocumented immigrants with criminal records or deportation orders but also expands to the broader undocumented population, including long-term residents in the U.S.

At the same time, policies from the Biden era such as “catch and release” and the CBP One app have been fully dismantled. The Trump administration is now prioritizing harsher enforcement: expedited removals, offering airline vouchers for voluntary departure, and accelerating asylum case processing.

Immigration Crackdown Reaches International Students

Not only undocumented immigrants are affected. In May 2025, the Trump administration launched a series of aggressive actions against international students:

• It revoked SEVP certification from Harvard University, banning it from enrolling new international students and requiring over 6,800 existing students to transfer schools to maintain visa status.

• It suspended all F-1 visa interview appointments at several U.S. consulates, citing expanded social media and background checks.

Although a federal judge later issued a temporary injunction against the Harvard ban, the incident clearly reflects the administration’s determination to control foreign entry — even via academic pathways.

In short, once-stable channels like student visas are now under serious pressure amid a broader immigration crackdown.

EB-5: The Legal Path Remains Open – But Not for Long

Amid these developments, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program remains one of the few stable, transparent, and politically secure routes to U.S. permanent residency.

• Invest $800,000 into a USCIS-approved EB-5 project

• Obtain green cards for the entire family (spouse and children under 21)

• Live, work, study, and travel freely in the United States

• Not affected by deportation campaigns or nonimmigrant visa restrictions

However, the current EB-5 program is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2027, under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022.
Investors who file their petitions before September 30, 2026, will be protected under the program’s grandfathering clause — meaning their applications will continue to be processed under current rules, even after the program ends.

“Gold Card” $5M Proposal: Big Ambition – and Direct Pressure on EB-5

In February 2025, during a campaign event, former President Trump announced plans to explore a new immigration program unofficially referred to as the “Gold Card”, designed for ultra-wealthy foreigners willing to invest $5 million USD in exchange for U.S. residency or even citizenship.

While no official legal framework, government website, or policy guidance has been released, the announcement is seen as a strong political signal — suggesting a shift toward favoring ultra-high-net-worth individuals and a potential restructuring of the U.S. investor immigration system.

Many experts believe the “Gold Card” is unlikely to replace EB-5 in the short term, as it would require Congressional approval. However, it serves as a serious warning:
If U.S. immigration policy continues in this direction, the current $800,000 entry point of the EB-5 program may soon become an anomaly — and could disappear entirely after 2027, as the U.S. moves toward setting the highest admission thresholds in history for foreign investors.

Act Now – Before It’s Too Late

With rising uncertainty and the EB-5 program’s future unclear, now is the time to act.
Filing early not only secures today’s investment threshold but also guarantees protection under the grandfathering provision if major changes occur after 2026.

At Portico & Bridge, we work with financially capable investors who are committed to preparing their applications thoroughly. Our team supports the full journey:

• Analyzing fund flows and verifying lawful source of funds under USCIS standards

• Selecting high-quality EB-5 projects with job surplus, transparency, and auditability

• Guiding clients from I-526E to permanent green cards, including Re-entry Permits

• Supporting post-investment relocation: home buying, financing, community connection, and international tax advisory

As the entire U.S. immigration system — from residency to student visas — is being tightened day by day, EB-5 remains the only clear and legal gateway. But no one can guarantee it will remain open for long.

Contact Portico & Bridge today for a legal, strategic, and long-term path to U.S. residency for your family.