Traders heavily favor low volumes for the Trump Gold Card visa program in 2026 because early implementation has produced minimal uptake despite initial projections of tens of thousands of issuances. The program, launched via executive order in late 2025, routes applicants through existing EB-1 and EB-2 categories by treating a $1 million contribution as evidence of extraordinary ability or national interest, yet only one full approval has occurred by late April 2026, with roughly 165 applicants having paid the $15,000 processing fee and 338 submitting requests. Delays in processing, ongoing legal questions over expedited timelines, and limited interest from wealthy foreign nationals have kept totals near the bottom of expected ranges. Upcoming policy clarifications or broader marketing efforts could shift outcomes, but current evidence points to persistent barriers through the remainder of the year.