US government to consider adding $100,000 bond to Green Card applications for those seeking …
The US government is now reportedly considering a $100,000 bond requirement for individuals applying for lawful permanent residence in the United States. According to a report by The Hill, this upcoming meanie of the Trump administration is aimed at ensuring that the immigrants are financially self-sufficient and that they don’t burden public assistance programs. Tommy Pigott, the spokesperson of the State Department said that the US government is working with the Department of Homeland Security to introduce “commonsense and effective procedures” to enforce immigration and the government is considering a $100,000 Bond for Green Card Applicants.
Donald Trump administration’s proposal
The Trump administration is considering a $100,000 bond requirement for individuals applying for lawful permanent residence in the United States, according to a report in The Hill. The measure would apply to Green Card applicants deemed at risk of becoming a “public charge,” meaning likely to depend on government assistance.Trump administration is considering a $100,000 bond requirement for individuals applying for lawful permanent residence in the United States, according to a report in The Hill. The measure would apply to Green Card applicants deemed at risk of becoming a “public charge,” meaning likely to depend on government assistance. “We are working closely with the Department of Homeland Security to introduce common sense and effective procedures to enforce U.S. laws, restore the integrity of our immigration system, and protect American public benefits programs from the financial burden of foreigners who arrive with major expensive medical or other needs,” Pigott said in a statement to The Hill.“As part of this comprehensive initiative, the Department is exploring the use of a long-standing legal authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to require certain visa applicants – those who are otherwise ineligible for a visa because they are likely become a public charge – to post a bond as a way to demonstrate they have access to the funds needed to support themselves,” he added.
Proposal comes after Trump administration imposed $100,000 fee on H‑1B visa applications
The proposal follows earlier attempts by the Trump administration to impose a $100,000 fee on H‑1B visa applications, which was struck down by a federal judge for exceeding executive authority. Unlike H‑1B visas, which allow temporary employment, Green Card applicants seek permanent residency. Current fees for Green Card applications range from $1,440 for Form I‑485 filings inside the U.S. to $325 for DS‑260 applications abroad, plus a $235 immigrant fee. A six‑figure bond would represent a dramatic increase.
Precedents and pilot programs
Since August 2025, visa holders from Malawi and Zambia have been required to post a $15,000 bond, forfeited if they overstay or change status. Officials said the policy reduced overstays to 3% but also led to fewer visas being granted. Extending the bond to Green Card applicants would mark a significant expansion of this approach.The bond proposal comes amid broader efforts by Trump and Republican lawmakers to tighten immigration, including mass deportation measures and legislation targeting birth tourism. Six‑figure entry requirements are being framed as a way to filter applicants by financial status.If adopted, the bond would be collected from applicants or their family members and returned at a later date, provided the immigrant complies with U.S. laws. Pigott said the initiative would give applicants with resources “another option to demonstrate their self‑sufficiency and qualify for a U.S. visa.”
