Trump administration considers $100,000 Green Card bond for some applicants abroad: Report

The Trump administration is considering requiring some overseas green card applicants to deposit a bond up to $100,000 to ensure self-sufficiency.

Updated on: Jul 16, 2026, 23:15:02 IST

Edited by Shivya Kanojia

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The Trump administration is considering a proposal that could require some people applying for US green cards from overseas to deposit a bond of up to $100,000 before they are allowed to immigrate.

Trump administration considers $100,000 Green Card bond. (X/@unumihaimedia)

The State Department is working on the proposal as part of the administration's broader push to ensure that immigrants moving to the United States are financially self-sufficient and do not become dependent on public support, people familiar with the discussions told The Wall Street Journal.

Also read | Trump's 25% Brazil tariff: Why now, what triggered it and what happens next? Explained

The plan is still under discussion and has not been finalised.

Bond may apply to immigrant visa applicants

Officials are primarily looking at applicants seeking immigrant visas, which allow foreign nationals to permanently settle in the United States and receive a green card upon arrival.

While some State Department officials have suggested a bond of $100,000, the amount may differ from case to case and could be higher or lower depending on individual circumstances.

Also read | Trump Was Caught Off Guard by DHS Move to Halt ICE Vehicle Stops

The administration is also considering introducing the policy as a pilot programme in a small number of countries before deciding whether to expand it further.

Money could be refunded after US citizenship

Applicants would likely have to deposit the bond before travelling to the United States and would receive the money back only after becoming US citizens—a process that generally takes at least five years, people familiar with the proposal told WSJ.

Under the proposal, the bond would act as collateral in case a green card holder is unable to financially support themselves after moving to the country. Family members could also be allowed to post the bond on an applicant's behalf.

Also read | Trump might release controversial intel on China's ‘interference’ in US elections: Report

Explaining the administration's approach, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said, "President Trump has made clear that those who wish to immigrate to the United States must be financially self-sufficient.""

Family-based immigrants likely to be most affected

Immigrant visas are commonly issued to close relatives of US citizens, including spouses, parents and siblings. They are less frequently used by foreign workers sponsored by employers, who generally enter the country first on temporary visas such as the H-1B before later applying for permanent residency.

The State Department typically issues around half a million immigrant visas each year, although that number is expected to fall significantly this year.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shivya Kanojia
Shivya Kanojia is a journalist at Hindustan Times, where she works in the fast-paced digital news ecosystem with a strong sense of editorial judgement and a clear understanding of what makes a story both important and traffic-driven. An alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Shivya brings a thoughtful balance of news value and audience relevance to her work, ensuring stories resonate beyond the immediate headline. Over the course of her three-year journey in the digital news space, Shivya has worked across a wide range of beats, including politics, civic issues, human-interest features and trending news. This diverse exposure has shaped her ability to approach stories with nuance, adaptability and context, whether she is breaking down complex developments or spotlighting everyday narratives that often go unnoticed. She is particularly drawn to human-interest stories, interviews and explainers that offer depth and clarity, aiming to move past surface-level reporting to explore the people, emotions and circumstances behind the news. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Shivya worked with Firstpost and Times Now, where she covered a broad spectrum of topics and honed her skills in digital journalism . Outside the newsroom, Shivya enjoys discovering new cafés, drawn to good coffee, cosy spaces and unhurried conversations. Shopping is another pastime she cherishes, not always out of necessity, but often guided by instinct and the simple joy of stumbling upon unexpected finds. Above all, she treasures time spent with loved ones, finding meaning in shared laughter, simple moments and memories that linger long after.Read More

Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.