Trump Gold Card visa fails to take off: Only one approval so far

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reveals massive gap between application sales and actual visa grants as hundreds remain under vetting.

 In a development that has raised eyebrows across the global diplomatic and tech corridors, President Donald Trump’s highly publicized "Gold Card" visa program has hit a significant roadblock. Despite earlier claims of a massive surge in interest, official testimony has revealed that only a single individual has been granted the prestigious residency permit so far.

The disclosure came during a high-stakes congressional committee hearing where Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick was questioned on the progress of the initiative. The "Gold Card" program, designed to bypass traditional immigration hurdles for a $1 million fee, was touted as a cornerstone of the "America First" agenda to attract high-net-worth individuals and global talent.

Discrepancy in application figures

The current status of the program marks a sharp departure from the initial narrative presented by the administration. Earlier this year, Lutnick had indicated that approximately 1,300 applications—representing a staggering ₹10,800 crore in potential revenue—had been "sold" within days of the program’s rollout.

However, addressing the committee, Lutnick clarified that while hundreds of applications are currently in the pipeline, they remain trapped in a rigorous review process. This India News Update highlights the administrative bottleneck currently stalling a program meant to fast-track residency for wealthy foreigners.

Shift in visa pricing

The Gold Card initiative has seen several iterations since its first announcement in February 2025. Initially positioned at a premium price tag of $5 million, the administration slashed the entry cost to $1 million in September to broaden its appeal.

The program aims to offer "unlimited residency" to those who can afford it, providing almost all the benefits of American citizenship, excluding a passport and the right to vote. According to sources indicated in the hearing, the vetting process remains the primary hurdle for the 1,300 hopefuls currently awaiting approval.

Focus on global talent

Under the "America First" framework, President Trump has maintained that the US will prioritize "talented people" over those who might compete for domestic jobs. The program specifically targets wealthy investors and top-tier professionals, particularly students and entrepreneurs from nations like India and China.

"America will give visas only to talented people," the President had stated during the launch. The revenue generated from these $1 million fees is earmarked for a specific fiscal purpose: reducing the national debt and facilitating domestic tax cuts.

Replacing traditional visa categories

A significant long-term impact of the Gold Card is its intended role in restructuring the US immigration hierarchy. According to Lutnick, the Gold Card is positioned to eventually replace the EB-1 and EB-2 visa categories, which currently serve high-ability professionals and those with advanced degrees.

This shift suggests a move toward a more transactional immigration model. While the EB-1 and EB-2 routes rely on merit and employment sponsorship, the Gold Card prioritizes immediate capital investment, effectively merging the concepts of a Green Card and an investment visa.

Tiered visa card system

The Gold Card is part of a broader "Trump Card" ecosystem that includes the Trump Platinum Card and the Corporate Gold Card. While the Gold version offers permanent stay, the Platinum variant—slated for a future release—will allow individuals to reside in the US for up to 270 days a year without a travel visa.

Notably, the Platinum Card offers a unique tax incentive: holders will not be required to pay US taxes on income earned abroad. The Corporate Gold Card, meanwhile, allows companies to sponsor employees for a $2 million fee, following a non-refundable $15,000 background check.

Future of US residency

As the administration grapples with the slow approval rate, the international community is watching closely to see if the program can scale. For many Indian professionals who face decades-long waits for traditional Green Cards, the $1 million entry fee represents a prohibitively expensive but potentially faster alternative.

Whether the program will live up to its "1,300 applications" promise or remain a boutique offering for a select few remains to be seen. As of now, the "Gold Card" remains an exclusive club with only one member, keeping the Latest News Today focused on the future of US immigration reform.

Trump rules out nuclear weapon use against Iran; Says ‘clock is ticking’ for Tehran

Ceasefire Extended Amid Regional Turmoil

Washington confirmed a three-week extension for the fragile Israel-Lebanon ceasefire on Thursday. The announcement came as US President Donald Trump adopted a firm yet conditional posture regarding the ongoing military confrontation with Iran.

President Donald Trump has firmly ruled out the use of nuclear weapons in the ongoing conflict with Iran, calling such an act unthinkable. However, he issued a stark warning that Tehran is running out of time as diplomatic windows narrow and military tensions spike across the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump’s Direct Refusal

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump dismissed a query about nuclear response as inappropriate. “Why would a stupid question like that be asked?... No, I wouldn't use it. A nuclear weapon should never be allowed to be used by anybody,” he said. The statement marks a rare red line by a US president regarding atomic warfare in the West Asian theatre.

The Ticking Clock

While projecting patience, the President made it clear that Iran faces growing pressure. In a post on social media, Trump stated, “I have all the time in the World, but Iran doesn’t – The clock is ticking!” The remark aligns with recent military buildups where Washington has ordered the destruction of vessels laying mines in the strategic Hormuz chokepoint.

India’s Strategic Concern

For New Delhi, the escalation is a direct public interest story. The Ministry of External Affairs has issued a government update advising all Indian citizens against travelling to Iran. Officials confirmed that while 10 Indian ships have safely exited the Strait of Hormuz, 14 vessels remain in the Persian Gulf. In a relief for families, the MEA added that 22 Indian crew members aboard two seized ships are safe.

Extension of Israel-Lebanon Truce

In a parallel diplomatic move, the White House announced a three-week extension to the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which was set to expire on Sunday. Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter described the development as “historic,” while Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad thanked Trump, expressing hopes to “make Lebanon great again.” Despite the extension, Israel’s UN envoy Danny Danon cautioned that the truce is “not 100 percent.”

Economic and Military Fallout

The confrontation continues to shake global markets. According to the latest news today tracked by this English news portal India, Brent crude has surged past $106 per barrel. Meanwhile, US military commanders are reportedly concerned about resource depletion, having fired an estimated 1,100 long-range stealth cruise missiles from reserves intended for the Asia Pacific.

What Next

As the world watches for a possible ground escalation, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that his nation is waiting for a “US green light” to resume attacks. For now, the focus remains on the 14 stranded Indian ships and whether Tehran will respond to Trump’s ticking clock before the extended ceasefire lapses.

FIFA Chief Confirms Iran’s Presence at 2026 World Cup as Ticket Demand Hits Record High

Gianni Infantino dismisses political concerns, asserting that the Iranian national team will participate in the mega-event hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has officially put to rest any speculation regarding Iran’s participation in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Speaking at a high-profile forum in the US capital, the football chief confirmed that the Iranian squad will travel to North America, despite simmering geopolitical tensions in West Asia and security concerns raised by American leadership.

The announcement comes as a significant India News Update for football enthusiasts, as Iran remains one of the strongest Asian contenders on the global stage. Infantino’s remarks underline FIFA’s long-standing stance of keeping the beautiful game insulated from international diplomacy.

Infantino rejects political interference

Addressing the CNBC Invest in America Forum on Wednesday, Infantino was direct when asked about the "Team Melli" and their entry into the United States. "The Iranian team is coming for sure, yes," he stated, reinforcing that the team earned its spot through a rigorous qualification process.

The FIFA President acknowledged the complex political landscape but maintained that the tournament must remain a celebration of sport. He noted that while a peaceful global situation would be ideal, the participation of a qualified nation like Iran is non-negotiable under FIFA statutes.

Security concerns and Trump’s warning

The confirmation follows recent comments from US President Donald Trump, who expressed reservations about the safety of the Iranian players. While Trump clarified that the team would be "welcome," he suggested that their presence might not be "appropriate" given the current friction between the two nations.

"I really don't believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety," Trump had noted previously. However, the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) countered this, asserting that as a host, the US is obligated to ensure the safety of all participating athletes.

Venue shift request declined

In a bid to avoid potential friction on American soil, the Iranian federation had reportedly requested FIFA to move their group-stage matches to Mexico. Iran is currently scheduled to play two matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle—cities with significant international visibility.

FIFA, however, has formally declined the request, citing massive logistical complexities. Moving fixtures at this late stage would disrupt the highly coordinated schedule of the 48-team tournament, which is set to be the largest in the history of the sport.

Group stage fixtures locked

As per the latest Government Updates and official FIFA schedules, Iran will compete in Group G. Their campaign kicks off against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 16, followed by a high-octane clash against Belgium on June 22 at the same venue.

Their final group match is slated for June 27 against Egypt at Lumen Field in Seattle. These matches are expected to be among the most-watched during the opening phase, given the competitive nature of the group and the global diaspora of the nations involved.

Record-breaking global ticket demand

Despite the surrounding controversies, the 2026 edition is witnessing a historic surge in interest. Infantino revealed that ticket requests have reached an unprecedented 500 million, far exceeding any previous tournament. This surge reflects the massive scale of an expanded 48-team format.

The FIFA President emphasized that fans from all 211 member associations have applied for tickets. This global appetite highlights the tournament's potential to generate over $11 billion in revenue, cementing its status as a major Public Interest Story and an economic juggernaut.

Sports vs geopolitical tensions

The debate over Iran's participation has sparked a wider conversation in Trending News India and across the globe regarding the intersection of sports and politics. Infantino's visit to the Iranian squad in Turkey recently served as a gesture of support for the players’ right to compete.

"They are a very good team and they really want to play," Infantino remarked. By standing firm on their participation, FIFA aims to uphold the integrity of the World Cup as a universal event that transcends borders and political disagreements.

Future outlook for 2026

With the tournament just months away, the focus now shifts to the operational and security arrangements in the host cities. FIFA and US authorities are expected to collaborate closely to ensure a seamless experience for all teams, including those from sensitive regions.

Israeli Airstrike Kills 9 in Southern Lebanon as Iran Mocks US Ceasefire Push

Fresh attacks in the Sidon region mark a deadly escalation, even as Washington pushes a 15-point peace proposal reportedly sent via Islamabad.

An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon has killed at least nine people, local media reports confirmed on Wednesday, marking a significant escalation in the border conflict. The attacks came just hours after reports emerged that the Trump administration had sent a 15-point ceasefire proposal to Tehran through Pakistani intermediaries, a move that Iranian military officials have publicly dismissed.

Nine Dead in Sidon

According to security sources, the strikes targeted multiple locations near the Sidon area. In the Adaloun region, four individuals were killed in an initial attack. A separate strike on a building in the Miyeh Miyeh refugee camp resulted in two fatalities and left four others wounded. The deadliest incident occurred in the Habbush area, where three people were killed and 18 others sustained injuries. The coordinated attacks represent one of the higher casualty counts in southern Lebanon in recent weeks.

Hezbollah Retaliates

Following the airstrikes, the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah launched approximately 30 rockets toward northern Israel. Sirens were reported across several Israeli communities near the border. While there were no immediate reports of casualties on the Israeli side, the exchange of fire signals a breakdown of the fragile understanding that had previously contained the conflict to limited engagements.

Iran Mocks Ceasefire Plan

Simultaneously, a political standoff unfolded in Tehran. Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, appeared on state television to reject claims of diplomatic progress. He accused Washington of “negotiating with itself” regarding the purported 15-point proposal.

“Has the level of your internal conflicts reached the point where you are negotiating with yourselves?” Zolfaghari said, questioning the legitimacy of the US outreach. His comments were the first official confirmation from Tehran that, despite being approached, Iran’s stance remains unchanged and that it will not engage in what it perceives as one-sided compromises.

Pakistan’s Mediation Effort

Reports from Pakistani media, including Dawn, indicated that the 15-point plan was delivered with the assistance of Islamabad. The development placed Pakistan at the center of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions that have threatened to engulf the region. While US officials have hinted at progress, Tehran’s public response suggests the initiative has stalled, with Iran’s military brass portraying the American offer as a sign of weakness rather than a genuine path to peace.

Regional Energy Crisis

The ongoing conflict continued to impact global energy markets. The Philippines declared a national energy emergency, citing threats to oil supplies caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced financial aid for transport workers and strict measures against hoarding as fuel prices surged. Separately, Jetstar New Zealand canceled flights between Australia and New Zealand, blaming rising jet fuel costs linked directly to the Middle East crisis.

What Next

With the Israeli military continuing to pound targets in Lebanon and Gaza, and Iran rejecting US overtures, the window for a ceasefire appears narrow. Diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkiye remain ongoing, but the situation on the ground—marked by rocket fire and retaliatory airstrikes—suggests that military action is outpacing diplomacy. The coming days will determine whether the Trump administration proceeds with its threatened attacks on Iranian infrastructure or renews efforts to enforce the 15-point plan rejected by Tehran.