Overview of the Gold Card Visa Program#
Donald Trump’s Gold Card Visa program has had a slow start, with only one applicant approved for US residency as of now. This program allows foreigners to gain residency in the United States by paying a hefty fee of $1 million. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick shared this update during a testimony to a US House committee.
Application Process#
The Gold Card Visa program began accepting applications in December. To apply, individuals must not only pay the $1 million fee but also a processing fee of $15,000. Lutnick described the vetting process for applicants as "extraordinary," indicating that it is thorough and likely involves extensive background checks.
Current Status and Future Outlook#
While only one application has been approved, Lutnick mentioned that many more applications from foreigners are still under review. However, he did not disclose the identity of the approved applicant or provide details about the approval rate. The US Department of Homeland Security has not commented on the current status of the application backlog or the overall effectiveness of the program.
Conclusion#
The Gold Card Visa program was promoted by the Trump administration as a means to attract skilled talent to the United States. As it stands, the limited number of approvals raises questions about its appeal and efficiency in meeting its intended goals.