According to the source, this refers to applicants who are suspected of becoming dependent on government benefits after moving to the United States. U.S. law already includes a provision allowing visas to be issued upon payment of a special deposit. This money is not considered a visa fee and can be refunded if the immigrant meets the established conditions—for example, by obtaining U.S. citizenship, permanently leaving the country, or refraining from using certain types of government assistance.
The authorities have not yet decided exactly who will be affected by the new measure. It is unknown for which categories of immigrant visas it will apply, which countries may be included in the program, and what the amount of the bond will be in each case. According to IMI Daily and The Wall Street Journal, the amount could reach $100,000, although a final decision has not yet been made.
The new measure is not expected to affect investors applying for EB-5 visas or other investment programs, as such applicants already demonstrate financial solvency and the source of their funds.
This initiative may become the subject of legal disputes. The main question is whether the administration can require a bond from entire groups of foreign nationals, or whether the law permits such a measure only after an individual assessment of each applicant.
Previously, the U.S. had already used a similar approach for certain B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visas (business travel and tourism). In 2025, the State Department launched a visa bond program for citizens of certain countries with high rates of visa violations.
