A significant update has emerged regarding President Donald Trump's 'Gold Card Visa' program in the United States. More than four months after its launch, only one person has received approval under the scheme. This information was disclosed by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick during a parliamentary committee meeting on Thursday, while 4 crore).
Discrepancy Between Claims and Approvals
3 billion (approximately ₹10,920 crore) worth of Gold Cards were sold within just a few days. However, the revelation that only one person has been approved so far has raised questions regarding those initial claims. Lutnick didn't provide a clear explanation for this discrepancy during the committee hearing, while the administration maintains that hundreds of applications are currently in the pipeline and are undergoing rigorous vetting to ensure no errors are made during the implementation process.
Key Features of the Gold Card Visa Program
The Platinum Card and Economic Objectives
11 crore). The program aims to replace or supplement the old EB-5 visa program, which required a $1 million investment and the creation of at least 10 jobs. The administration is also planning to introduce a 'Trump Platinum Card' priced at $5 million. This card would allow individuals to stay in the US for 270 days without paying taxes on their foreign income. 3 trillion (approximately ₹261 lakh crore) national debt.
Declining Global Interest in Settling in the US
According to a new Gallup survey conducted in 2025, the desire to settle in the United States has declined globally, reaching its lowest level yet. While the US remains a top destination, only 15% of adults worldwide now consider it their first choice for permanent residency. This is a significant drop from the 24% recorded between 2007 and 2009, and the 18% recorded in 2017. Similar 'Golden Visa' schemes for wealthy individuals are already operational in countries such as the UK, Spain, Greece, Malta, Australia, Canada, and Italy.