Just one individual has been approved under Trump’s Golden Card program, as confirmed by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Thursday during a U.S. Congress hearing.
This revelation contrasts sharply with the expectations set when the program was officially launched in December 2025. At that time, Lutnick claimed the government had generated the "equivalent" of $1.3 billion in just a few days, as Trump held up the golden ticket, describing the initiative as essentially the green card on steroids.
During the congressional hearing, Lutnick did not address the apparent discrepancy between these sales figures and the actual number of approvals.
The Program’s Promises vs. Reality
The Commerce Secretary defended the program's outcomes, stating that hundreds of applications are currently under review and emphasizing the government’s commitment to "getting it perfectly right," as reported by Telemundo 51.
The identity of the sole approved beneficiary has not been disclosed publicly.
Understanding the Golden Card
The Golden Card allows wealthy foreigners to obtain permanent residency in the United States, with a pathway to citizenship, in exchange for a non-refundable investment of $1 million plus a $15,000 processing fee.
The program also includes a corporate option: companies can pay $2 million for an employee born abroad, with an annual maintenance fee of 1%.
Additionally, the program's official website advertises the upcoming "Trump Platinum Card" for $5 million, offering up to 270 days of stay in the U.S. without paying taxes on income earned outside the country.
Replacing the EB-5 Program
Designed to replace the decades-old EB-5 program, which required investments between $800,000 and $1.8 million in projects that created at least ten full-time jobs, the Golden Card does not require job creation or a specific work history, and the investment is non-recoverable.
Since opening its waitlist in June 2025, the program has attracted over 70,000 expressions of interest, although actual approvals have been minimal.
Lutnick even predicted during a cabinet meeting that the Golden Card would generate $1 trillion in revenue and help "balance the budget."
Insights into Trump's Golden Card Program
What is the Golden Card program?
The Golden Card program allows wealthy foreigners to gain U.S. permanent residency and a path to citizenship by making a non-refundable investment of $1 million and paying a $15,000 processing fee.
How does the Golden Card differ from the EB-5 program?
Unlike the EB-5 program, the Golden Card does not require job creation or a specific work history. The investment is non-recoverable, and there are corporate options available for companies to sponsor foreign employees.