Donald Trump’s $1 million Gold Card program, which promises expedited U.S. residency to wealthy investors, has attracted significant global interest but faces legal uncertainties and practical challenges.

The program aims to draw high-net-worth individuals by offering access to U.S. education, healthcare, and financial systems at a reduced cost, slashed from an initially proposed $5 million to $1 million.

On September 26, 2025, Cryptopolitan reported strong demand for the program, particularly from wealthy families in China and India. Immigration advisers anticipate high interest from these regions due to longstanding visa backlogs in existing U.S. categories. However, the program’s dependence on EB-1 and EB-2 visa classifications raises execution concerns and potential legal disputes.

The initiative was launched via an executive order that modifies EB-1 and EB-2 visa eligibility, which traditionally applies to individuals with exceptional abilities or advanced degrees. Since U.S. immigration law is under congressional authority, legal experts argue that such a move may not withstand judicial scrutiny for overstepping legislative boundaries. The American Immigration Lawyers Association has called the program’s foundation contentious, warning it could be invalidated by courts.

Adding to the complications, no formal application framework for the program has been established. Prospective applicants who expressed interest through a preliminary website have not received follow-ups, adding to uncertainties. This lack of organization may deter those seeking a stable immigration process.

The use of EB-1 and EB-2 visas, which already suffer from extensive processing backlogs, poses another significant hurdle. Applicants from countries like China and India, which face years-long queues, may fear even longer delays. Immigration attorneys have cautioned that prioritizing Gold Card holders over existing applicants could incite legal action from individuals stuck in these long lines.

Despite these issues, the program has sparked global curiosity. Immigration consulting firms report a wave of inquiries, particularly from affluent families in Asia. Dominic Volek of Henley & Partners highlights that such programs only gain traction after proving their reliability. He estimates that it could take three to six months of smooth operation for the Gold Card to become widely accepted.

As of September 26, 2025, 16:08 UTC, OFFICIAL TRUMP (TRUMP), a cryptocurrency linked to the program, trades at $7.49, showing a 1.4% dip in 24-hour trading volume, according to CoinMarketCap.