US Visa PolicyTrump AdministrationImmigration LawGold Card VisaWealthy Foreigners
Trump's 'Gold Card' Visa Scheme Fails to Attract Wealthy Foreigners
Published: May 10, 2026
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US President Donald Trump's 'Gold Card' visa scheme is failing to win over wealthy foreigners, with immigration attorneys warning clients to avoid the program due to ongoing litigation, tax complications, and uncertainty around its legal standing. The visa, which costs between $1 million and $2 million along with a $15,000 application fee, was formally launched in September through an executive order.
According to immigration attorneys, the biggest issue with the visa is that it has not been approved by Congress, meaning a future administration could potentially scrap it. Michael Wildes, an immigration attorney who has represented the Trump family, said he would refuse to take on clients seeking a Gold Card, calling it 'unethical'.
US government figures show that only 338 people have submitted requests for a Trump Gold Card, while just 165 applicants have paid the $15,000 processing fee, far below the administration's projections. A Department of Homeland Security court filing revealed that Gold Card applicants would not jump ahead of EB-1 or EB-2 visa applicants, categories reserved for highly skilled and extraordinary workers.
The immediate outlook for the program remains uncertain, with a handful of applicants still testing the waters. Immigration attorney Mona Shah said she has two clients at different stages of the application process, but warned them that the program could amount to 'false advertising' and may ultimately lead nowhere. The court will continue to review the program's legality, and the administration is expected to respond to the low interest in the program.