Trump Gold Card Visa Program Sees Only One Approval

The "gold card" visa program, established by Donald Trump via executive order to attract wealthy foreigners and generate federal revenue, has approved only one applicant since its December 2025 launch. The program allows foreign nationals to obtain legal residency by paying at least $1 million to the U.S. government, plus a $15,000 processing fee, as a replacement for the EB-5 investment visa.

During a congressional hearing in April 2026, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick admitted to the single approval, contradicting his previous claims that the government had sold $1.3 billion in visas shortly after launch. Government court filings further revealed that of 338 requests, only 165 applicants paid the filing fee and 59 proceeded to paperwork. These figures clash with Lutnick's projections that the program would issue 80,000 visas and generate $100 billion to help balance the federal budget.

The program faces multiple legal challenges. The American Association of University Professors sued in February, arguing the program lacks congressional authorization, while the Democracy Defenders Fund filed a lawsuit in Washington, D.C., to compel the disclosure of implementation records. Additionally, immigration attorneys, including Michael Wildes and Rosanna Berardi, have warned clients against the program, citing significant legal uncertainty and financial risk because it lacks a statutory basis. The administration is also planning a $5 million "Trump Platinum Card" to offer tax advantages on non-U.S. income.