WASHINGTON: (Web Desk) – The United States has so far approved only one applicant under the “gold card” residency program introduced by President Donald Trump, according to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
The high-value visa scheme, launched through an executive order last September, offers US residency to individuals willing to pay $1 million. Applications for the program opened in December.
Speaking before a congressional committee, Lutnick revealed that while only one application has been approved to date, hundreds of others are currently in the pipeline undergoing review.
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Applicants are required to pay a $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security and must pass strict vetting procedures. The program also allows corporate sponsorships, which come with a higher fee of $2 million.
The initiative was introduced alongside broader changes to US immigration policy, including an additional $100,000 annual fee on H-1B skilled worker visas.
President Trump had earlier said the program aims to attract wealthy investors and job creators while potentially contributing to reducing the national deficit.
Since returning to office in 2025, the administration has taken a tougher stance on immigration, including stricter enforcement measures and expanded deportation operations.
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