• U.S. immigration program tied to a $1 million payment grants only one approval so far
• Dozens of applications remain pending despite paid fees and months of open registration
• Trump administration introduces “Gold Card” immigration scheme offering residency for $1 million regardless of standard merit criteria

The U.S. immigration program linked to a $1 million payment has so far resulted in only one approved application, despite earlier expectations of large-scale demand.

Dozens of applications remain in the queue, even after applicants paid processing fees and registration was opened months ago.

The Trump administration launched a new immigration initiative known as the “Gold Card,” which allows foreign nationals to obtain U.S. permanent residency in exchange for a $1 million payment to the government, without considering traditional qualification or merit-based standards.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who unveiled the program in February, initially claimed that around 200,000 people were ready to pay $1 million each for the visa. However, more than a year later, only one application has been approved, with the applicant’s identity not disclosed.

The program provides a fast-track route to a green card compared to standard immigration pathways, which often involve years of waiting and complex legal procedures. It also imposes additional fees on companies sponsoring foreign workers, reaching up to $2 million, along with processing and annual charges.

A dedicated website was launched in December to receive applications. Lutnick said “hundreds” had applied and paid the required fees, but approvals remain extremely limited.

The initiative has faced legal criticism, with opponents arguing it shifts immigration policy toward wealth-based selection rather than merit, bypassing established visa categories for highly skilled individuals.

Critics also say it allows wealthy applicants to bypass long waiting lists without clear oversight of funding sources.

Rights groups describe it as an unlawful fast-track system favoring the wealthy, while the administration maintains it provides a legitimate direct path to citizenship after security vetting and payment of required fees.