3 weeks ago
US requires public charge bonds from some green card applicants
The United States has a rule that says people who want to become permanent residents must show they will not need too much help from the government.
This is called the "public charge" rule.
Now, the government has announced a new step: some people applying for a green card through their family might have to pay a special bond, which is like a money deposit.
If their visa application is denied because they might become a public charge, they can post this bond to promise they will not be a burden.
The amount of money is decided separately for each person.
If the person becomes a US citizen or has been a permanent resident for five years, they can get their money back.
The rule mainly affects people applying for a green card through family or from inside the US.
People who already have a green card do not need to worry about this rule.
The US announced a new rule requiring some family-based green card applicants to post a Public Charge Bond if their immigrant visa application is denied.
The Department of State launched a pilot program letting consular officers request Public Charge Bonds from USCIS and issue previously denied visas after the fee is paid.
Bond amounts are not fixed; consular officers determine them based on each applicant's individual circumstances.
USCIS cancels the bond if the applicant is naturalized or acquires US citizenship, or after five years of lawful permanent residence.
Only monthly cash assistance such as SSI and TANF and government-funded long-term institutional care count as public benefits under the rule.
- Who
- USCIS and the Department of State, along with family-based green card applicants
- What
- A new rule requiring some family-based green card applicants to post a Public Charge Bond
- Where
- United States
- When
- Announcement date not specified; the rule applies going forward under a State Department pilot program
- Why
- To ensure foreigners seeking a US immigrant visa will benefit the nation rather than be a financial burden
Key facts
- Affected applicants
- Family-based green card applicants and those undergoing Adjustment of Status
- Governing agencies
- USCIS and the Department of State
- Bond amount
- Not fixed; determined case by case by a consular officer
- Bond cancellation
- Upon naturalization or US citizenship, or after five years as a lawful permanent resident
- Qualifying benefits
- Monthly cash assistance (SSI, TANF) and government-funded long-term institutional care
- Not affected
- Current green card holders renewing green cards or applying for citizenship
- Implementation
- Pilot program initiated by the Department of State
Sources
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