Trump Administration Considers $100,000 Bond for Green Card Applicants

The Trump administration is considering a proposal to require certain immigrant visa applicants at U.S. consulates abroad to post a refundable bond of up to $100,000. The U.S. State Department is exploring the use of existing powers under the Immigration and Nationality Act to implement the measure, which may begin as a pilot program in a limited number of countries. The bond would serve as collateral to ensure immigrants are financially self-sufficient and do not rely on public assistance. Funds would likely be returned only after the applicant obtains U.S. citizenship, a process that typically takes at least five years. Family members may post the bond on an applicant's behalf.

This proposal follows a similar bond system implemented in August 2025 for tourist and business visa applicants from approximately 50 countries. It is part of a broader crackdown on legal immigration that includes the "Trump Gold Card"—requiring a $1 million contribution for expedited residency—and a public charge rule effective September 18 that allows officers to deny green cards to those using Medicaid, SNAP, or housing aid. The administration previously attempted to implement a $100,000 H-1B visa petition fee, but a U.S. District Court judge struck it down in June for lacking congressional approval.

Officials indicate the bond could create significant financial barriers for families and Indian professionals facing employment-based visa backlogs. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services defended related public charge restrictions as a means of protecting taxpayers from subsidizing dependents.