Story perspectives

Gold Card Visa Generates $1.3 B, Yet Only One Approved

4/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Administration reported $1.3 billion in Gold Card sales while only one applicant was approved.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told lawmakers one person is approved while hundreds await review.
Launched in December, the program charges $15,000 processing and $1 million contribution for expedited residency.
President Donald Trump called the visa a “green card on steroids” to replace the EB-5 investor visa.
Immigrant groups and watchdogs sued to block the visa and obtain records.

History

Historical Context

Established in 1990, the EB-5 Investor Visa Program aimed to boost the U.S. economy by attracting foreign investment, requiring a minimum investment of $1 million. By 2019, it generated over $1.5 billion, primarily from wealthy immigrants, particularly from China. The recent Gold Card program, proposed by President Trump, seeks to expedite residency but faces legal challenges, reflecting ongoing debates over immigration policy and economic impact.

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Story summary

Administration reported $1.3 billion in Gold Card sales while only one applicant was approved.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told lawmakers one person is approved while hundreds await review.
Launched in December, the program charges $15,000 processing and $1 million contribution for expedited residency.
President Donald Trump called the visa a “green card on steroids” to replace the EB-5 investor visa.
Immigrant groups and watchdogs sued to block the visa and obtain records.

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