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 that will require certain applicants for permanent residency to pay a bond. The measure targets individuals who are deemed at risk of becoming a public charge, marking the first time such a requirement has been implemented for residency applicants.

This initiative serves as a test case for U.S. immigration policy regarding financial liability for potential permanent residents. By requiring these bonds, the program aims to mitigate the risk that new residents will rely on government assistance, establishing a new administrative procedure for those seeking legal status in the country.