US considers $100,000 bond requirement for Green Card applicants

The US government is considering introducing a financial bond for certain foreign nationals seeking lawful permanent residence, commonly known as a Green Card, The Wall Street Journal reported.

According to the report, the US Department of State is developing the proposal as part of the Trump administration's broader efforts to tighten immigration policy. The measure would initially be tested on selected applicants from a limited number of countries, although the list of eligible countries has not been disclosed.

The proposed bond would amount to approximately $100,000. However, officials are considering a flexible approach, meaning the required amount could be either higher or lower depending on an applicant's individual circumstances.

Under the proposal, the bond would be refunded only after the Green Card holder becomes a US citizen. Under current law, permanent residents are generally eligible to apply for naturalization after at least five years.

Citing State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, The Hill reported that US authorities view the bond as a guarantee of an immigrant's "financial self-sufficiency." According to Pigott, the requirement would apply to foreign nationals who could otherwise become "a public burden" because of medical or other support needs.

Pigott said the bond would demonstrate that an applicant has the financial means to support themselves independently. He added that the mechanism could also allow visas to be issued to some applicants who would not otherwise qualify under existing criteria.

If implemented, the proposal would significantly increase the cost of obtaining permanent residence in the United States. At present, applicants applying from outside the country pay a $325 fee to submit the online immigrant visa application form (DS-260). Once the application is approved, they must also pay a $235 immigrant fee to receive a Green Card.

The proposal follows a series of recent immigration policy changes. In January, the State Department announced the suspension of immigrant visa issuance for citizens of 75 countries, including Uzbekistan. The department said the measure was intended to reduce the potential burden on public resources associated with immigrant benefits. According to Fox News, the restrictions were introduced for an indefinite period pending a review of visa procedures.

Since May, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has also limited the ability of foreign nationals to apply for a Green Card after entering the United States. The agency said applications for adjustment of status within the country would now be accepted only in "exceptional circumstances."

Most applicants are now expected to submit their applications and await a decision from their country of citizenship. USCIS emphasized that entering the United States as a tourist, student or temporary worker "should not serve as the first step" toward obtaining a Green Card.