Full Breakdown
Trump Gold Card Visa Scheme Falters Amid Low Demand and Legal Uncertainty
5/10/2026, 8:48:23 PM
Overview of the Gold Card Program
President Donald Trump unveiled the “Gold Card” visa in June, formalized by an executive order. The program promises permanent residency for foreign investors who contribute $5 million and pay a $15,000 fee. Congress has not enacted legislation for the visa, leaving its legal basis uncertain and exposing it to possible rescission. The scheme is part of the administration’s immigration agenda.
Application Numbers vs. Revenue Projections
DHS court filing shows 338 requests and 165 paid fees, far below Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s projection of $100 billion revenue from 80,000 cards. Lutnick also claimed on the All-In Podcast that 1,000 cards had been issued at $5 million each before the program launched.
Legal and Ethical Concerns from Immigration Counsel
Seven immigration attorneys have declined Gold Card clients. Michael Wildes, who has represented Melania Trump, her parents, and Kushner family members, called accepting such clients “unethical.” Rosanna Berardi warned of “significant legal uncertainty and financial risk.” Mona Shah, representing clients from Nigeria and Pakistan, said the visa might be “false advertising.” The program faces a lawsuit by the Affirmative Litigation Democracy Defenders Fund challenging its legality.
Government Statements and Policy Status
DHS notes that Gold Card petitions will not be processed faster than EB-1 or EB-2 applications and will not supersede those visas. The program lacks congressional authorization, making it rescindable. A White House official described Nicki Minaj’s alleged card as a “memento,” not a real visa. The Commerce Department did not respond to a request for comment.
Conflicting Claims and Gaps
Lutnick told lawmakers that at least one person has received a Gold Card, but DHS data shows only 338 requests and 165 paid fees, with no evidence of any card conferring special status. Rumors that rapper Nicki Minaj possesses a Gold Card remain unverified; the White House calls the card a “memento.” The gap between projected $100 billion revenue and actual uptake highlights uncertainty.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It would be unethical of me to retain them,” — Michael Wildes, immigration attorney
- “As immigration counsel, our obligation is always to protect our clients’ interests,” — Rosanna Berardi, immigration attorney
- “And we do not believe it is appropriate to recommend a program with such significant legal uncertainty and financial risk, even when clients express a desire to proceed.” — Rosanna Berardi, immigration attorney
- “But she told the Post that she warned them that the visa might be “false advertising” and go nowhere.” — Mona Shah, immigration attorney
- “Ken Cedeno/REUTERS Last year, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick asserted that the federal government would make more than $100 billion in revenue from issuing 80,000 Gold Cards.” — Howard Lutnick, Commerce Secretary
- “A White House official told the Washington Post that Minaj’s card is a “memento,” not a real visa.” — White House official
Outlook and Potential Developments
The pending lawsuit and reliance on executive authority mean further legal review and possible congressional action could determine the program’s future. Without congressional codification, the scheme remains vulnerable to termination, and revenue expectations appear unlikely to be met.
