visa bond program

The US has made permanent a visa bond program requiring citizens from 50 countries, including 30 in Africa, to post bonds for tourist and business visas. The program, which initially allowed bonds of $5,000–$15,000, now permits up to $20,000 and eliminates the $5,000 tier. The State Department claims it reduced overstays to near zero, but critics argue it imposes financial burdens, with visa issuances from affected countries dropping by 83%.

The U.S. State Department is making permanent a visa bond program requiring citizens from 50 mainly African countries to post up to $20,000 for B1/B2 visas, aiming to reduce overstays. The program, initiated by the Trump administration, led to an 83% drop in such visas but faces criticism for burdening applicants from impoverished nations.

The US State Department is making permanent a visa bond program requiring citizens from 50 mostly African countries to pay up to $20,000 to apply for B1/B2 visas, citing reduced visa overstays. Critics argue the policy imposes harsh financial burdens on applicants from impoverished nations.

The U.S. State Department is making permanent a visa bond program requiring citizens from 50 mostly African countries to post bonds of up to $20,000 for B1/B2 visa interviews. The program, initially launched under the Trump administration, aims to reduce visa overstays and illegal migration, with data showing a significant decline in overstays and visa applications since its implementation.