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.