President Donald Trump‘s gold card visa initiative has produced just one approved applicant, even though the White House has pitched the pay-to-reside plan as a major revenue and investment draw. The slow approval pace is now colliding with a transparency fight, with a watchdog group pressing for records in a new lawsuit seeking documents on the program.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told lawmakers the single approval came even as he described “hundreds” more applicants waiting for review. Associated Press reported that Lutnick made the disclosure during a committee hearing and did not reconcile it with earlier public claims about early sales.
One Approved Applicant Sparks Controversy
The Democracy Defenders Fund filed suit last week in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, arguing the administration has not turned over records tied to how the gold card was designed and rolled out. The complaint names multiple agencies, including the Departments of Commerce, Homeland Security and State, along with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The group says officials have sent mixed messages about the program and have not been clear about which foreign interests might benefit or who ultimately absorbs the costs. The lawsuit does not ask the court to shut the program down, but instead seeks to compel fuller disclosure under Freedom of Information Act requests.
The gold card concept was marketed as a fast lane for affluent foreign nationals to live and work in the U.S. in exchange for at least $1 million, plus additional charges. Lutnick has also described a $15,000 application fee, and a corporate option that allows companies to pay $2 million for a foreign-born employee alongside a 1% yearly maintenance charge.
Trump proposed a premium visa pathway priced at $5 million, designed to attract high-net-worth foreign nationals while generating federal revenue. The initiative aims to replace the existing EB-5 program, which required lower investment thresholds and came with job creation conditions.
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The transparency lawsuit spotlights a gap between the administration’s marketing and the limited number of approvals disclosed on Thursday. Plaintiffs also argue permanent residency should not be treated as a benefit only available to people with seven-figure checks.
The rollout quickly made headlines when Lutnick announced over a billion dollars in early sales, while Trump dubbed it a turbocharged version of the traditional green card.
As reported, Lutnick told lawmakers the administration wanted to build the program carefully and said the review process is meant to be strict. He also said proceeds would be directed by the administration “for the betterment of the United States of America.”
The Democracy Defenders Fund’s filing is not the only legal challenge orbiting the gold card plan. In February, the American Association of University Professors sued, arguing the program is unlawful and was created without congressional authorization, pointing to the use of visa categories typically reserved for highly skilled individuals.
Immigration Programs Face Public Scrutiny
This recent approval pace follows President Donald Trump’s earlier announcement regarding the launch of two immigration programs— the “Trump Gold Card” and the “Trump Platinum Card.” The Gold Card requires a $1 million contribution and a $15,000 processing fee, while the Platinum Card demands a $5 million contribution, targeting affluent foreign nationals seeking expedited residency and tax advantages in the U.S.Fast-track residency has been promoted as a means to retain key talent in America.
The ambitious nature of these programs reflects Trump’s broader strategy to enhance federal revenue through immigration reform. However, the ongoing transparency lawsuit indicates significant public skepticism, as they question whether permanent residency should strictly be a privilege for those who can afford such high fees.
Revealing The Hidden Costs Of Wealthy Residency
The gold card pitch also includes an upscale “Trump Platinum Card” at $5 million, which the government website advertises with tax-related language and a lengthy stay allowance. The same site uses the phrase “Unlock life in America” alongside imagery that includes Trump’s likeness and U.S. symbols.
Beyond the branding, the lawsuit argues the public still lacks basic clarity about how the program was constructed and implemented across agencies. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the watchdog group’s lawsuit.
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