In a move aimed at reducing visa overstays, the United States is reportedly preparing to revive its controversial visa bond program, which would require certain foreign nationals to pay as much as15,000 before being granted short-term business or tourist visas. This initiative is targeted at curbing the rising number of temporary visa holders who remain in the country beyond their authorized stay.
The visa bond rule, first introduced during the Trump administration in 2020 but temporarily suspended, is now under renewed consideration by US immigration authorities following concerns about the growing number of visa violations. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is expected to officially announce the policy update in the coming weeks, pending review and feedback.
According to sources familiar with the plan, the program will specifically target nationals from countries with high rates of visa overstays, including parts of Africa, Asia, and South America. These travelers may be required to post a bond — up to $15,000 — as a condition for entry, which would be refunded upon timely departure from the US.
Analysts note that while the policy is meant to serve as a deterrent, it has sparked concerns over its potential impact on legitimate travelers, students, and small business owners who might be discouraged by the high financial requirement. Critics say it risks undermining diplomatic relations and promoting discriminatory practices.
Human rights groups and immigration advocates have already begun voicing opposition, calling the program an unfair barrier to international mobility and a burden on low-income applicants. They argue that overstays are often due to personal emergencies or flight disruptions rather than willful violation of visa terms.
In contrast, US officials argue that the measure is necessary to ensure accountability and protect the integrity of the country’s immigration system. “This is not a blanket policy,” said an immigration officer who chose to remain anonymous. “It’s a targeted effort to address a specific problem using financial incentive.”
The proposed program would be enforced selectively based on country-specific data from the US Customs and Border Protection agency, which publishes annual visa overstay reports. Countries with consistent violations will be notified if their citizens fall under the new requirement.
Foreign embassies and consulates across affected countries are expected to be briefed once the final version of the policy is published in the Federal Register. They will also assist in disseminating information and guiding applicants through the bond process, if implemented.
While the visa bond program is designed to ensure compliance, it may also affect tourism and international business engagement, particularly among African and Southeast Asian countries where average income levels are below the15,000 mark.
As the US prepares to roll out this policy, international stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, urging a balanced approach that ensures national security while maintaining openness, fairness, and diplomatic goodwill. Further updates are expected as the DHS finalizes the implementation roadmap.
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