Trump $1 Million ‘Gold Card’ Visa Approved for Only 1 Person, Lutnick Says/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump’s “gold card” visa program, designed to let wealthy foreigners live and work in the U.S. for at least $1 million, has approved only one person so far. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said hundreds of applicants remain in the pipeline despite earlier claims that the program had already generated $1.3 billion in sales. The visa program is meant to replace the EB-5 investor visa and could eventually lead to U.S. citizenship for approved applicants.
Trump Gold Card Visa Quick Looks
- Only one person has been approved for Trump’s gold card visa
- Applicants must pay at least $1 million plus a $15,000 fee
- The program launched in December 2025
- Lutnick previously claimed $1.3 billion in early sales
- The visa is designed to replace the long-running EB-5 program
- Corporations can sponsor foreign-born employees for $2 million
- The program offers a pathway to U.S. citizenship
Deep Look
Trump Gold Card Visa Sees Just One Approval So Far
President Donald Trump’s highly promoted “gold card” visa program has so far approved only one applicant, according to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
The visa program allows wealthy foreigners to legally live and work in the United States by paying at least $1 million, plus additional fees, with a path toward eventual U.S. citizenship.
Lutnick revealed the number during a congressional committee hearing Thursday, a figure that appeared far lower than previous White House claims about the program’s early success.
After the program launched in December, Lutnick had said the government had sold $1.3 billion “worth” of gold cards within just several days.
At the time, Trump stood beside the program’s gold-colored promotional card and described it as “essentially it’s the green card on steroids.”
Now, months later, only one applicant has officially been approved.
Hundreds Still Waiting in the Process
Despite the low number of completed approvals, Lutnick insisted the program is still moving forward and described the early results as positive.
Though only one person has been approved, he said “there are hundreds in the queue that they are going through.”
“They’ve just set it up, and they wanted to make sure they did it perfectly,” Lutnick told lawmakers.
He did not directly explain the apparent gap between the earlier claim of $1.3 billion in sales and the current approval count.
The administration appears to be emphasizing strict screening and long-term vetting rather than fast approvals.
The White House says the application process includes extensive financial and background checks before a visa is granted.
Trump’s Vision for a Wealth-Based Immigration Program
Trump first promoted the idea last year as part of his broader immigration and economic agenda.
The goal, according to Trump, was to attract wealthy and highly skilled foreign talent while also generating major federal revenue.
He argued that rich immigrants could boost the economy, create jobs, and help reduce government deficits.
At one point, Lutnick even claimed the program could generate $1 trillion and help “balance the budget.”
That would still be far below the nation’s current publicly held debt of $31.3 trillion, while outside projections estimate this year’s federal deficit alone could reach roughly $2 trillion.
Still, the administration continues to promote the program as both an immigration and economic policy tool.
Replacing the EB-5 Investor Visa Program
The gold card visa is intended to replace the long-standing EB-5 immigrant investor program.
The EB-5 system, in place for decades, allowed foreigners to obtain U.S. residency by investing about $1 million into a business that created at least 10 jobs.
Trump’s new version simplifies that structure by focusing more directly on large payments and high-net-worth applicants.
Instead of requiring business investment and job creation targets, the gold card relies more heavily on upfront payments and direct financial contributions.
Supporters say this makes the system faster and more attractive for global investors.
Critics argue it turns U.S. immigration into a pay-to-enter system that favors wealth over broader economic benefit.
Additional Fees and Corporate Sponsorship Options
Applicants must pay more than just the base $1 million.
Lutnick said each applicant also pays a $15,000 fee to fund what he called “rigorous vetting” of every case.
The administration says the review process is designed to carefully screen applicants before they are allowed into the country.
There is also a corporate version of the program.
Companies can pay $2 million to sponsor a foreign-born employee under the same structure, along with a 1% annual maintenance fee.
This option is designed to help businesses bring skilled international workers into the U.S. workforce.
It reflects Trump’s repeated support for high-skilled legal immigration, even while he continues aggressive deportation policies for immigrants without legal status.
Flashy Website and Platinum Card Expansion
The program is being marketed with a highly polished government website carrying the slogan “Unlock life in America.”
The site features a dramatic gold card design showing Trump’s image, a bald eagle, the Statue of Liberty, and his signature.
It also promotes a future “Trump Platinum Card,” which would cost $5 million and allow up to 270 days in the United States without taxes on non-U.S. income.
That premium offering appears aimed at ultra-wealthy international investors and executives.
The branding has drawn attention for mixing immigration policy with highly personalized Trump imagery.
Questions About Where the Money Goes
During Thursday’s hearing, lawmakers also asked where the money generated by the program would be spent.
Lutnick did not provide specific details.
“That will be determined by the administration, and its terms are for the betterment of the United States of America,” he said.
That vague answer may fuel more questions in Congress as lawmakers examine how the funds are being handled and whether the program requires stronger legal oversight.
Golden Visas Are Common Worldwide
While Trump’s version has drawn attention in the U.S., the idea itself is not new.
Many countries around the world already offer “golden visa” programs to wealthy foreigners.
Countries including the United Kingdom, Spain, Greece, Malta, Australia, Canada, and Italy all have some form of investor-based residency programs.
These programs are often used to attract outside capital, encourage business investment, and boost local economies.
Trump’s gold card follows that same model but adds his own branding and stronger political messaging around American immigration policy.
For now, however, the numbers remain small — with only one official approval despite months of promotion and major promises.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.