Media: US may introduce deposit of about $100k for green card applicants
The United States may begin requiring a deposit of about $100,000 from some green card applicants.
The Wall Street Journal reported this, citing sources.
According to their information, this amount may vary, and depending on each individual case, green card applicants may be required to post a deposit of either less or more than $100,000. The State Department proposes testing the innovation in a small number of countries, whose names the newspaper does not provide.
The deposit is intended to serve as a financial guarantee for the United States in case the green card holder, after moving to the country, proves unable to support themselves, the Wall Street Journal sources explained. "President [US Donald] Trump has made it clear that those wishing to immigrate to the United States must be financially self-sufficient," State Department press service chief Tommy Pigott told the newspaper.
Under the US administration's plan, individuals applying for a green card through American consulates in other countries will have to post the deposit, and they will be able to get the funds back after obtaining US citizenship. This process usually takes at least five years, the newspaper notes.
A green card (literally "green card," official name - United States Permanent Resident Card) is an identity document confirming the right to permanent residence and authorizing employment in the country for persons who are not its citizens.
