The Trump administration is considering a new immigration proposal that could require some people applying for visas and U.S. green cards from outside the country to pay a bond of up to $100,000 before receiving permanent resident status.
According to the U.S. State Department, the proposal is designed to ensure that certain immigrants are financially self-sufficient and are not likely to depend on public assistance after arriving in the United States.
Officials say the bond would be refundable if applicants meet the conditions set by the government, although specific eligibility requirements have not yet been announced.
If approved, the policy would apply only to certain immigrant visa applicants processing their cases at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. It would not automatically affect everyone seeking a green card. The State Department has not identified which applicants would be required to post the bond or how individual cases would be evaluated.
Immigration attorneys and advocacy organizations say the proposal could make it more difficult for lower-income families to reunite in the United States. They also note that the high bond amount could create a significant financial burden for many applicants and their sponsors.
The proposal is still under review and has not taken effect.
Community members with pending immigration cases are encouraged to consult a qualified immigration attorney or an accredited legal representative before making decisions based on the proposed policy.
