Trump's "Gold Card" visa program only approved 1 person, in stark contrast to the hundred-billion-dollar projections

According to Odaily, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick stated at a congressional hearing that President Trump's "Gold Card" visa program has so far approved only one applicant. This program is seen as a new alternative to the traditional EB-5 immigrant investor program. Companies can also apply for foreign employees by paying $2 million, accompanied by a 1% annual maintenance fee. It allows foreigners to legally reside and work in the U.S. by paying at least $1 million, and ultimately obtain a path to citizenship.

Howard Lutnick previously stated that the program sold $1.3 billion worth of slots within days of its launch and is expected to generate $1 trillion in revenue to help alleviate the U.S. fiscal deficit. Although only one person has been officially approved so far, Lutnick noted that hundreds of applicants are currently undergoing the review process. (Fortune)