Trump's Gold Card Visa Program: Only 1 Approved, Hundreds Awaiting Review, Says US Commerce Secretary
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced that only one person has been approved for President Trump's "Gold Card" visa program so far, with hundreds more awaiting review. This million-dollar residency card program aims to replace EB-5 investment immigration and promises rigorous scrutiny.
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- 📰 Published: April 24, 2026 at 10:23
- 🔍 Collected: April 24, 2026 at 10:31 (8 min after Published)
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Washington, April 23, Comprehensive Foreign Report) U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated today that only one person has been approved for President Trump's "Gold Card" visa program so far, with hundreds more awaiting review. He was referring to the $1 million (approximately NT$31.6 million) residency card launched last year.
According to comprehensive reports from Agence France-Presse and the Associated Press, Trump signed an order last September to establish this residency program, costing $1 million, and began accepting applications in December.
Lutnick stated today at a committee hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives that U.S. officials have recently approved one application, and "hundreds more are in line" awaiting approval.
Applicants also need to pay a $15,000 (approximately NT$470,000) processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security. Lutnick said they would undergo "the most rigorous review and analysis."
The "Gold Card" residency program charges individuals $1 million and corporate sponsors $2 million.
The "Gold Card" program aims to replace the long-standing EB-5 investment immigration program. EB-5 offers U.S. visas to applicants who invest approximately $1 million and employ at least 10 people.
After the "Gold Card" program launched in December last year, Lutnick once said that sales reached $1.3 billion within a few days, and Trump even held up a Gold Card, saying, "This is basically an enhanced green card." However, Lutnick did not explain today at the hearing why there was a discrepancy in the number of approvals.
The official website of the "Gold Card" program features the phrase "Unlock American Life," with a golden card printed with Trump's serious face, the American national bird bald eagle, the Statue of Liberty, and Trump's signature.
The official website also promotes the upcoming $5 million "Trump Platinum Card," which allows holders to stay in the U.S. for up to 270 days and not pay U.S. taxes on foreign income.
At that time, Trump not only launched the "Gold Card" but also ordered an additional annual fee of $100,000 (approximately NT$3.16 million) for H-1B professional work visas.
Trump initially stated that the "Gold Card" would attract job creators and help reduce the fiscal deficit.
Since returning to the White House last year, Trump has strengthened immigration policies, and the government has adopted strict deportation measures. (Compiled by Lu Yingzi) 1150424
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(Central News Agency, Washington, April 23, Comprehensive Foreign Report) U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated today that only one person has been approved for President Trump's "Gold Card" visa program so far, with hundreds more awaiting review. He was referring to the $1 million (approximately NT$31.6 million) residency card launched last year.
According to comprehensive reports from Agence France-Presse and the Associated Press, Trump signed an order last September to establish this residency program, costing $1 million, and began accepting applications in December.
Lutnick stated today at a committee hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives that U.S. officials have recently approved one application, and "hundreds more are in line" awaiting approval.
Applicants also need to pay a $15,000 (approximately NT$470,000) processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security. Lutnick said they would undergo "the most rigorous review and analysis."
The "Gold Card" residency program charges individuals $1 million and corporate sponsors $2 million.
The "Gold Card" program aims to replace the long-standing EB-5 investment immigration program. EB-5 offers U.S. visas to applicants who invest approximately $1 million and employ at least 10 people.
After the "Gold Card" program launched in December last year, Lutnick once said that sales reached $1.3 billion within a few days, and Trump even held up a Gold Card, saying, "This is basically an enhanced green card." However, Lutnick did not explain today at the hearing why there was a discrepancy in the number of approvals.
The official website of the "Gold Card" program features the phrase "Unlock American Life," with a golden card printed with Trump's serious face, the American national bird bald eagle, the Statue of Liberty, and Trump's signature.
The official website also promotes the upcoming $5 million "Trump Platinum Card," which allows holders to stay in the U.S. for up to 270 days and not pay U.S. taxes on foreign income.
At that time, Trump not only launched the "Gold Card" but also ordered an additional annual fee of $100,000 (approximately NT$3.16 million) for H-1B professional work visas.
Trump initially stated that the "Gold Card" would attract job creators and help reduce the fiscal deficit.
Since returning to the White House last year, Trump has strengthened immigration policies, and the government has adopted strict deportation measures. (Compiled by Lu Yingzi) 1150424
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship is the power to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.
Keywords: