New State Department Program Requires Bond for Visa Applicants
Introduction
The State Department recently announced a new pilot program that will require some visa applicants to post a bond of up to $15,000. This decision is aimed at reducing the number of individuals who overstay their tourist and business visas. The program will initially target applicants from countries with high overstay rates, according to NPR. This move has sparked controversy and raised concerns about access to the United States for legitimate visitors and the impact on tourism and business.
Key Details
The bond requirement is not new. The State Department has the authority to request a bond from visa applicants who they believe may overstay their visas. However, this program will expand the number of countries and individuals who will be subject to this requirement. The amount of the bond is significantly higher than the current requirement of $2500. It will be a cash deposit that will be refunded upon the visitor's departure from the U.S. If they overstay their visa, the bond will be forfeited, and they will be subject to removal.
Impact
The pilot program has already received backlash from various organizations and individuals. Critics argue that the bond requirement will disproportionately affect low-income applicants who may not be able to afford such a high deposit. It may also discourage legitimate visitors from applying for a U.S. visa. On the other hand, supporters of the program believe it will effectively reduce the number of people
