Trump's "golden visa" program ran into trouble right from the start –
The “golden visa” program, which Donald Trump presented as a fast track to the U.S. for wealthy foreigners, has run into problems in its first few months. Even lawyers associated with Melania Trump’s inner circle are advising potential clients to refrain from participating due to legal and organizational risks.
The Washington Post reported this on May 11.
According to documents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the project has failed to attract a large number of wealthy investors. Since the initiative launched in 2025, only 338 applications have been received. Donald Trump promised “billions of dollars” from the program, and the U.S. administration had expected a real rush of interest.
However, only 165 applicants actually paid the processing fee. Participation itself is expensive: to obtain a “golden visa,” one must pay the government $1 million plus an additional $15,000 in fees.
The government advertised the “golden card” as the fastest route to a U.S. green card, and this was the program’s main selling point. However, the DHS statement explicitly states that applicants for the “Trump Golden Visa” can only increase their chances of expedited processing, but “will not necessarily have their applications processed faster than any applicants without a Golden Card.” This effectively negates the point of the enormous expense.
Human rights advocates and lawyers have spoken out against the initiative, arguing that the new program violates existing rules and could therefore be overturned by a court. The “golden visa” contradicts the EB-1 and EB-2 visa categories, which are intended for individuals with extraordinary abilities.
Even Melania Trump’s former attorney is discouraging clients from pursuing this idea. Michael Wilds previously worked with the president’s family. He secured visas for Miss Universe contestants and also advised the Kushner family. Wilds states outright that Trump’s program is legally questionable. He simply does not take on such cases.
“It would be unethical for me to recommend it to my clients,” Wilds said.
The lawyer’s colleagues also point to numerous risks associated with purchasing Trump’s “golden ticket.” Among them are the lack of official congressional approval for the program and protracted legal proceedings that could block it.
Additionally, uncertainty regarding the tax implications for clients remains an issue, as does the risk of losing $15,000 just for attempting to apply.
Lawyers interviewed by journalists recommend that investors not take the risk. They advise choosing proven and legal immigration methods, as the “golden visa” currently looks like a gamble with an unpredictable outcome.
Read also: Oil prices rose sharply after Trump’s statement on the proposal to Iran
Recall that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not consider the war with Iran to be over.
Official Tehran refused to participate in the second round of peace talks with the United States, which were to take place in Islamabad.
Iran rejected Trump’s claims about transferring uranium to the U.S. and accused him of manipulation.
