Trending Now - Trump's Gold Card Visa Faces Scrutiny From Legal Experts

WHO:

The Washington Post - Immigration attorney Michael Wildes has represented Melania Trump and her parents.

Alternet - Seven immigration attorneys expressed concerns about Trump's gold card visa program.

Alternet - Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick made a claim regarding the approval of a gold card visa.

WHAT:

Alternet - Trump's gold card visa program is promoted as a fast-track to residency for wealthy foreigners willing to invest $1 million to $2 million.

Alternet - Out of 338 requests for the gold card visa, only 165 people have paid the nonrefundable $15,000 filing fee.

Alternet - Only 59 applicants have advanced to filling out Department of Homeland Security paperwork.

Alternet - An official confirmed that the claim of one approval by Lutnick referred to a photo posted by rapper Nicki Minaj, which was not a real visa.

Alternet - Immigration attorney Mona Shah stated that Trump administration promises of speedy processing were "false advertising."

Alternet - Ron Klasko created a comparison chart showing that the existing EB-5 visa is safer than the gold card visa.

WHERE:

Alternet - The Invest In the USA conference took place in Washington.

WHY:

Alternet - Immigration lawyers warn clients to avoid the gold card visa program due to its legal dubiousness, financial risks, and lack of congressional authorization.

Alternet - The gold card visa exists only through an executive order that faces ongoing litigation, making it vulnerable to elimination.

HOW:

Alternet - Immigration attorneys have either steered clients away from applying for the gold card visa or refused to help those who have applied.

(UPDATED May 10, 2026 17:13 UTC)

Immigration attorney Michael Wildes, who has represented Melania Trump and her parents, is among those raising concerns about Trump's gold card visa program, which is marketed as a fast-track to residency for wealthy foreigners willing to invest between $1 million and $2 million. Despite 338 requests for the visa, only 165 applicants have paid the nonrefundable filing fee, and just 59 have moved on to complete the necessary Department of Homeland Security paperwork, with immigration lawyers cautioning clients against the program due to its legal uncertainties and financial risks. An official recently clarified that a claim made by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick about an approval was based on a photo shared by rapper Nicki Minaj, which was not an actual visa, highlighting the ongoing issues surrounding this executive order that is currently facing litigation.