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2.0

DOS pilots public charge bond program for certain immigrant visa applicants

  1. Original Date Announced

    August 5, 2026

    DOS announced that it established a program that permits consular officers to require immigrant visa applicants who were deemed ineligible on public-charge grounds to post a bond with USCIS to obtain an immigrant visa. The program is currently in pilot stage.

    Reporting on the pilot program, the Free Beacon states that consular offices will have discretion to set bond amounts and will assess them on a case-by-case basis that considers “the applicant’s particular circumstances.” The pilot program started on August 11, 2026, and applies to immigrants from the Dominican Republic, although it could expand to other countries in the future. Some initially assessed bonds have reached $100,000 to $250,000.

    Trump 2.0 [ID #2376]

    2026.08.05 DOS - Public Charge Bonds for Immigrant Visa Applicants 2026.08.05 Reported: Trump Administration Will Require Prospective Immigrants To Post Six Figure Bonds To Prove They Won't Be a 'Burden': Dominican Republic Gets Hit First - Free Beacon
  2. Effective Date

    August 11, 2026

Current Status

None

Original Trump Policy Status

Trump Administration Action: Agency Directive
Subject Matter: Immigrant Visas
Agencies Affected: USCIS DOS

Associated or Derivative Policies

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