Trump Administration Weighs $100,000 Bond Requirement for Some Green Card Applicants

Trump administration is considering a new immigration policy that could require certain people applying for U.S. permanent residency (green cards) from outside the United States to pay a refundable bond of up to $100,000 as proof that they can financially support themselves.According to reports, the proposed bond could be a fixed amount or determined on a case-by-case basis. In some situations, a family member or sponsor may be allowed to pay the bond on the applicant’s behalf. The money would reportedly be refunded after the applicant becomes a U.S. citizen.A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said the proposal reflects President Trump’s position that immigrants should be financially self-sufficient and should not rely on government assistance.The proposal would expand a pilot programme introduced in 2025, which requires some tourist visa applicants from selected countries to pay refundable bonds of up to $15,000. That programme has since expanded to include 50 countries, with more than half located in Africa.At the same time, the administration has also revived the “public charge” policy, which allows immigration officials to deny green card applications if they determine an applicant is likely to become dependent on certain public benefits, including Medicaid, food assistance, or housing support.Supporters say these measures are designed to protect taxpayer-funded resources and encourage financial independence among new immigrants. Critics, however, argue that such requirements could make legal immigration significantly more difficult for qualified applicants with limited financial means.What are your thoughts? Should applicants for U.S. permanent residency be required to provide a large refundable financial bond to demonstrate self-sufficiency, or would this create an unfair barrier for many deserving immigrants?