The Dominican Republic will be the first country where the U.S. will charge a bond for residency.

The United States is launching a pilot program in the Dominican Republic to require bonds from certain permanent residency applicants who are considered to be at risk of becoming a public charge. This initiative marks the first time the U.S. government will implement such a bond requirement for residency applicants in any country.

The measure targets specific individuals undergoing the permanent residency process. By focusing on those evaluated as potential public charges, the pilot program introduces a financial security mechanism into U.S. immigration procedures abroad, beginning specifically within the Dominican territory.