U.S. tests bond program for some immigrants in Dominican Republic
by Mar Puig · UPIAug. 7 (UPI) -- The Dominican Republic has become the first country in which the United States has launched a pilot program allowing it to require a bond from certain immigrant visa applicants considered at risk of becoming a "public charge," the State Department said.
The measure, in effect since Wednesday, will not apply to all applicants for permanent residence. The State Department said a consular officer will evaluate each case individually and decide whether to require a financial bond before continuing the visa process.
State Department Spanish-language spokeswoman Natalia Molano said in interviews with Dominican media that the Dominican Republic was selected to launch the program because of the volume of immigrant visas processed by the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo. She added that the initiative could be expanded to other countries.
Consular officers may consider factors such as an applicant's age, health, family situation, income, assets, education and other financial, medical or judicial records to determine whether the person is at risk of becoming a public charge.
If a bond is required, it must be processed through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The State Department said there is no fixed amount and that U.S. law establishes a minimum of $1,000, but the final amount will depend on the evaluation of each case.
The measure applies only to immigrant visas and does not affect people who already have an approved or valid immigrant visa, the State Department said.