U.S. Continues Tightening Immigration Policy to Reduce Public Burden; Green Card Applicants May Be Required to Post a US$100,000 Bond | WPN World People News

According to The Wall Street Journal, the U.S. government is considering a major overhaul of its immigration policy that would require certain applicants for immigrant visas (green cards) at U.S. consulates abroad to post a refundable bond of up to US$100,000 before their visas are issued. The proposal is expected to have the greatest impact on family-based immigration, raising concerns that only wealthy families would be able to afford the cost of reunification.

The proposal is being led by the U.S. Department of State as part of President Donald Trump's "America First" agenda. The goal is to ensure that new immigrants are financially self-sufficient upon arrival in the United States and do not become a burden on American taxpayers. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott confirmed the report, stating that the government is exploring its existing authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to require certain applicants to demonstrate financial capability through a bond. The proposal remains under internal review, has not yet been formally published in the Federal Register, and has not taken effect.

According to the draft proposal released so far, the bond would have to be paid by a U.S.-based family member or sponsor on behalf of the applicant before an immigrant visa is issued at an overseas U.S. consulate. The bond would serve as collateral and would only be refunded after the immigrant successfully becomes a U.S. citizen—typically at least five years after obtaining a green card. However, the bond could be forfeited if, before naturalization, the immigrant receives government public assistance—including cash benefits as well as non-cash benefits such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (commonly known as food stamps), or housing assistance—or fails to comply with applicable immigration requirements.

The proposal represents the latest in a series of measures aimed at tightening U.S. immigration policy. Last year, the State Department introduced a pilot program requiring certain applicants for B-1/B-2 business and tourist visas from more than 50 countries to post bonds of up to US$15,000. Since January of this year, the United States has also suspended the issuance of immigrant visas to nationals of 75 countries, including Brazil and Nigeria, citing concerns over the potential public burden posed by new immigrants. In addition, on the 16th, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a new rule expanding immigration officers' discretion to consider an applicant's use of public benefits—including Medicaid, SNAP, and housing assistance—when adjudicating green card applications.