Practice Alert: DOS Implements Public Charge Bond Pilot for Certain Immigrant Visa Applicants
On August 5, 2026, DOS announced a pilot procedure allowing consular officers to require certain immigrant visa applicants found inadmissible under INA § 212(a)(4) to apply to USCIS for a public charge bond. The Washington Free Beacon, citing State Department officials, reports that the pilot will initially operate in the Dominican Republic, with reported bond amounts of $100,000 or $250,000. Please note that these details have not been formally confirmed by DOS or USCIS.