US weighs $100,000 bond for some Green Card applicants abroad: What it means for Indians
The US State Department is considering a proposal to require certain overseas green card applicants to post a bond of up to $100,000. This measure aims to ensure financial self-sufficiency among new immigrants but could create significant financial barriers for applicants, particularly those from India.
Why it matters
This policy could fundamentally alter legal immigration pathways and disproportionately impact applicants from countries with large employment-based green card backlogs.
The Trump administration is considering requiring some green card applicants applying from overseas to post a bond of up to $100,000, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. The proposal, still under discussion within the US State Department, is part of a broader push to tighten legal immigration and ensure that new immigrants are financially self-sufficient.If implemented, the policy would apply to certain applicants seeking immigrant visas at US consulates abroad. These visas automatically grant lawful permanent resident status, or a green card, upon entry into the United States. While officials have discussed a bond of around $100,000, people familiar with the matter told the WSJ that the amount could vary depending on individual circumstances.The proposal comes amid a series of immigration measures introduced during US President Donald Trump's second term, including higher naturalisation fees, stricter green card processing rules and tighter scrutiny of legal immigration pathways.
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