A high-profile residency plan proposed by Donald Trump is facing criticism after falling short of expectations. The so-called Gold Card scheme was projected as a major revenue generator but has not delivered results so far.
The proposal aimed to raise nearly $5 trillion by offering permanent residency through a premium route. However, recent disclosures suggest the actual outcome is far from those projections.
According to reports, Howard Lutnick revealed that only one Gold Card has been sold till now. This has triggered sharp criticism from experts and observers.
Initially, the plan involved selling one million cards priced at $5 million each. When officially launched in September, the pricing was revised to $1 million for individuals and $2 million for organisations.
The scheme also faced backlash after Lutnick’s earlier claims resurfaced. He had stated in a podcast that 1,000 cards were sold on the first day, but approvals reportedly remained at zero by the end of 2025.
Immigration experts had already questioned the feasibility of the plan. Many continue to see it as unrealistic and disconnected from ground realities.
The proposal has also raised wider concerns about immigration priorities in the United States. Critics argue that it contradicts stricter policies faced by regular applicants.
This includes Indian students and H-1B workers, who often deal with delays and increased scrutiny. In comparison, a premium residency option for wealthy applicants has drawn criticism.
Even some supporters of Donald Trump have expressed concern over the idea. Selling residency while tightening immigration rules has been seen as a conflicting approach.
Supporters say the programme is still new and may improve over time. However, with only one approval after several months, doubts remain over its long-term viability.
