US Considers $100,000 Bond for Green Card Applicants

The Trump administration is considering a proposal to require certain green-card applicants to post a refundable bond of up to $100,000 ^[1].

This move represents a significant shift in legal immigration policy. By introducing a financial barrier, the U.S. government aims to ensure that new permanent residents possess the means to support themselves without relying on public assistance.

The U.S. State Department is weighing the measure as part of a broader effort to tighten legal immigration pathways ^[1]. Under the proposal, the bond would be refundable, meaning the funds would eventually be returned to the applicant. The maximum bond amount is set at $100,000 ^[1], which is approximately £74,200 ^[2].

Officials said the requirement is intended to verify the financial stability of applicants. The administration seeks to prevent a scenario where immigrants enter the country and immediately require government welfare support. This financial guarantee would serve as a safeguard for the U.S. economy, and social services.

While the specific criteria for which applicants would be required to pay the bond have not been fully detailed, the proposal targets those whose financial standing may be viewed as precarious. The administration said the goal is to maintain a sustainable immigration system that prioritizes self-sufficiency.

Critics of such measures often argue that high financial requirements create a tiered system of immigration that favors the wealthy. However, the State Department has framed the bond as a tool for fiscal responsibility rather than a permanent fee. The refundable nature of the bond is intended to distinguish it from a standard application fee.