Daijiworld Media Network – Washington

Washington, Apr 24: US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has said the controversial “gold card” visa programme proposed by President Donald Trump has received its first approval, with hundreds of other applicants reportedly in the pipeline.

Speaking at a congressional committee hearing, Lutnick said one person has so far been approved under the programme, which offers wealthy foreigners the opportunity to live and work legally in the United States through a high-value investment route.

The disclosure appeared to contrast with earlier claims that the programme had generated $1.3 billion worth of sales within days of its launch.

Lutnick, however, said the administration was moving cautiously to ensure proper implementation and rigorous vetting of applicants.

Under the scheme, applicants pay at least $1 million along with a $15,000 processing fee, while corporations can reportedly spend $2 million to sponsor foreign-born employees, besides an annual maintenance fee.

The programme is intended to replace the long-running EB-5 visa route and is projected by its backers as a means to attract global talent and generate substantial revenue.

Trump had initially floated the idea with a proposed $5 million price tag, calling it a more powerful version of the traditional green card.

Officials have said the programme could also offer a pathway to US citizenship.

The initiative has drawn attention amid Trump’s broader immigration agenda, with supporters portraying it as a skilled immigration channel, while critics have questioned its structure and accessibility.

Golden visa-style programmes are already offered in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Spain, Greece, Australia, Canada and Italy.