The Trump administration is considering adding a $100,000 bond to green card applications for those seeking lawful permanent residence in the United States.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the administration is evaluating a potential six-figure bond to ensure immigrants are “financially self-sufficient” and “contribute to our society more than they take from it.”
“We are working closely with the Department of Homeland Security to introduce commonsense 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.
The proposal would use a “long-standing legal authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act” to require certain visa applicants — those otherwise ineligible because they are likely to become a “public charge” — to post a bond as a way to demonstrate they have access to the funds needed to support themselves.
What This Means for Green Card Applicants
The traditional green card application fee depends on your specific category and whether you are applying from inside or outside the U.S. The standard filing fee for Form I-485 is $1,440 for those applying within the country. A $325 DS-260 visa application fee is traditionally paid by those applying from outside the U.S., followed by a $235 USCIS immigrant fee.
A $100,000 bond would be a dramatic increase for those seeking permanent residency.
Under the proposed policy, the administration would collect payment from individuals or their family members in the U.S. and return the money at a later date.
A History of Similar Attempts
The Trump administration previously attempted to impose a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications, which was ultimately struck down by a federal judge who said the administration exceeded its authority, and the fee usurped Congress’s power to set immigration policy and taxes.
Since last August, visa holders from Malawi and Zambia have been asked to post a $15,000 bond that would be forfeited if they overstay or apply for another immigration status after arriving, such as asylum. Fifty other countries in Africa have been asked to comply with the policy. However, State Department officials noted a drop in the number of visas granted.
The Rationale and Criticism
Pigott said the program would give “applicants who have the resources to pay their own way another option to demonstrate their self-sufficiency and qualify for a U.S. visa.”
Trump and Republican lawmakers have been looking to crack down on illegal immigration through mass deportation measures in recent months and have recently introduced legislation to curb birth tourism.
Six-figure fees for entry have also been pegged as another measure to weed out immigrants of a certain financial status.
The Bottom Line
The State Department is considering a $100,000 bond for green card applicants to ensure immigrants are financially self-sufficient. The proposal would use existing legal authority to require certain visa applicants who might become a “public charge” to post a bond. A similar attempt to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas was struck down by a federal judge. The administration has already required $15,000 bonds for visa holders from some African countries.
