The United States has introduced a pilot programme requiring certain immigrant visa applicants to post bonds of up to $250,000 before they can obtain immigrant visas.
The policy, which took immediate effect, initially applies to selected applicants from the Dominican Republic who were found ineligible for visas on “public charge” grounds, with US authorities indicating that the programme could later be expanded to other countries.
According to the US Department of State, the initiative is intended to ensure that immigrants can financially support themselves without relying on government-funded welfare programmes.
Under the scheme, consular officers will determine bond amounts on a case-by-case basis, taking into account each applicant’s individual circumstances. Some applicants are expected to post bonds of $100,000, while others may be required to provide up to $250,000.
The department said the bond offers an opportunity for applicants previously denied visas on public charge grounds to demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources.
The bond may be cancelled after five years if the immigrant does not receive public cash assistance or long-term government-funded institutional care during that period.
The announcement follows the recent decision by the Trump administration to make permanent a separate $20,000 visa bond programme for certain non-immigrant visa applicants from 50 countries, including Nigeria, to discourage visa overstays.