The Trump administration is considering a proposal that could require some immigrants applying for U.S. green cards from abroad to post a refundable bond of up to $100,000. The proposal, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, would apply to certain immigrant visa applicants processing their cases through U.S. embassies and consulates overseas. Although still under evaluation, this potential policy shift has immediate implications for consular processing practitioners and family-sponsored immigration work.
What changed
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.” The bond would target certain immigrant visa applicants processing through US consulates abroad, who become lawful permanent residents on arrival. Family members already living in the US could post the money on an applicant’s behalf.
The proposal scales up an existing pilot. 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.
The bond mechanics are critical for practitioners to track:
- The proposal involves a refundable bond of up to $100,000 for certain immigrant visa applicants.
- Applicants would recover the payment only after naturalising as US citizens, a process that takes at least five years after a green card is issued.
- The proposal appears to be aimed initially at a limited group of applicants rather than the entire universe of green card recipients. Officials are reportedly considering a pilot program involving selected countries before deciding whether to expand the policy nationwide.
Why it matters
This proposal, if finalized, would represent a seismic shift in family-sponsored immigration. Most family-sponsored green cards go to spouses, parents, and children of US citizens, so the households raising $100,000 would often be ordinary working families rather than wealthy investors.
For consular processing practitioners:
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Case timing becomes urgent. If a pilot program launches within months, clients with pending or imminent consular interviews should accelerate scheduling. Once the bond requirement takes effect, a $100,000 hurdle could delay or derail otherwise approvable cases.
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Financial sponsorship counsel expands. Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) guidance will need to evolve. Practitioners must now discuss not just the existing I-864 liability, but also this potential additional bond requirement—and whether family sponsors can cover both.
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Target geography unknown. Similar to previous pilot programs, this may target countries with high rates of public assistance usage or specific visa backlogs. India, Philippines, Vietnam, and other countries with employment- and family-based backlogs could be early targets, but the State Department has not confirmed.
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“Public charge” concerns amplify. The bond is framed as ensuring financial self-sufficiency. Practitioners already advising clients on I-864 poverty guidelines will now face pressure to prove even higher income/asset thresholds to justify both the I-864 and the bond.
The proposal has not been finalized. This is currently a proposal under evaluation. As of July 16, 2026, there has been no formal rule published in the Federal Register, and no immediate changes have been made to consular processing.
Way forward
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Audit your pending cases. Identify all family-based and employment-based immigrant visa cases in consular processing (DS-260 stage or earlier). Prioritize interview scheduling for clients in countries likely to be early targets.
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Build client financial projections now. Begin discussions with sponsors about the possibility of a $100,000 bond. Explore whether sponsors can demonstrate sufficient assets or income to cover both the I-864 liability and a potential bond if the rule takes effect.
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Monitor the Federal Register. The State Department has not published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). Any formal rule will appear there first. Subscribe to https://www.federalregister.gov and search for “immigrant visa bond” to catch publication.
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Track pilot rollout announcements. The State Department may announce which countries are included in a pilot program before a formal rule. Check the DOS press office at https://www.state.gov/press for updates.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Folaform.com is a software and reference platform, not a law firm. Immigration policy changes frequently and without notice. You must verify all information against the primary source linked above and consult a licensed immigration attorney before making filing, timing, or strategy decisions. The bond proposal remains under evaluation and may not be implemented, may be limited to specific countries or applicant categories, or may be modified substantially before finalization.