Chicago – July 18, 2026
The Trump administration is considering a proposal that would require certain green-card applicants overseas to post a refundable bond of up to $100,000, part of a broader push to tighten legal immigration and ensure financial self-sufficiency.
Under the plan being discussed at the State Department, the bond would apply to specific immigrant visa applicants processing at U.S. consulates abroad, particularly those deemed at risk of becoming a “public charge.” Officials say the measure uses existing authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act to let applicants demonstrate access to funds needed to support themselves.
The bond amount, while centered around $100,000 in internal discussions, could vary by case, and family members in the U.S. may be allowed to post it on an applicant’s behalf.
People familiar with the talks indicate refunds would likely come only after naturalization—typically five years or more after arrival. The administration frames the idea as offering an additional pathway for well-resourced applicants to qualify, while critics see it as another barrier for middle- and lower-income immigrants.
The proposal remains under review and has not been finalized or implemented.
