By
Admin desk
The United States has rolled out a new pilot scheme requiring certain intending immigrants to post financial bonds of up to $250,000 before they can be issued immigrant visas.
The policy, which took effect immediately, targets select applicants from the Dominican Republic who were previously denied visas on “public charge” grounds. US officials say the programme could later be extended to other countries.
The announcement was contained in a report published by the Washington Free Beacon on Wednesday and circulated by the US Department of State.
“Immigrating to the United States is a privilege, not a right. Those who seek that privilege must show they will be an asset — not a liability — to our country,” the department stated.
According to the State Department, the initiative applies to applicants initially deemed likely to depend on government welfare benefits. Consular officers will have the discretion to set bond amounts based on each applicant’s situation. In some cases being processed this week, bonds are set at $100,000 or $250,000.
The department said it is invoking an existing provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow bonds as proof that applicants have sufficient resources to support themselves. Officials added that the measure is meant to shield US public benefit programmes from costs tied to newcomers with major medical or welfare needs.
A bond may be released after five years if the immigrant has not received public cash assistance or long-term government-funded institutional care within that period. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services will decide when a bond can be cancelled or if its terms have been violated.
The Dominican Republic was chosen for the pilot due to the volume of immigrant visa processing at the US Embassy in Santo Domingo. Starting this week, bond offers will be made to “certain immigrant visa applicants” previously found ineligible under public charge rules.
The move comes days after the Trump administration made permanent a separate $20,000 visa bond programme for some non-immigrant visa applicants from 50 countries, including Nigeria and 29 other African nations. That scheme, aimed at curbing visa overstays, requires a refundable bond for certain B1/B2 business and tourist visas. Travellers who adhere to visa terms and depart on time qualify for a refund.
