The United States is considering a new pilot programme that would require certain green card applicants living abroad to post a $100,000 bond before being allowed to enter the country as permanent residents. The proposal is aimed at reducing visa overstays and addressing immigration-related security concerns.
According to the US Department of State, the programme would apply only to selected applicants from countries identified as having higher rates of visa overstays or other immigration risks. It is not expected to cover all green card applicants, and the list of affected countries has not yet been finalised.
Under the proposal, applicants who fall under the pilot programme would have to deposit the bond before travelling to the United States. The amount could be refunded if they comply with all immigration rules and do not violate the conditions of their permanent residency process.
The proposed measure is currently open for public comments and has not yet been implemented. US authorities say the programme is intended to test whether financial bonds can encourage better compliance with immigration laws and reduce the risk of applicants overstaying or failing to complete required procedures.
For Indian applicants, the immediate impact is expected to be limited. Immigration experts note that India generally has relatively low rates of immigrant visa overstays compared with some other countries. As a result, Indian nationals are unlikely to be among the primary groups affected unless future guidelines specify otherwise.
However, experts advise applicants to monitor official announcements closely, as the final rules and the list of eligible countries could change before the programme is introduced.
