The United States may soon ask tourist and business visa petitioners to post up to $15,000 bonds, the U.S. government announced in a notice on Monday. The policy is included in a new pilot program starting two weeks from now and aims to deter visa overstays, a chronic problem that raised bipartisan alarm.
Trump-Era Policy Revived to Enforce Departure Rules
The new regulation resurrects a plan from the last few months of President Donald Trump’s first term to introduce visa bonds as a “diplomatic tool” to compel foreign visitors to stick to their approved duration of stay. The revived push reflects the administration’s ongoing emphasis on immigration enforcement and border security, including for lawful entrants.
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The pilot program is expressly limited to B-1 (business) and B-2 (visitor for pleasure) visa categories. Foreign nationals from nations historically with high rates of visa overstay will be expected to submit a cash bond up to $15,000 as a condition of visa approval. The policy is intended to prompt more prompt departures and lower the burden on immigration enforcement resources.
Final Country List to Be Announced Soon
The U.S. government hasn’t as yet made public the list of nations to be included under the bond requirement. Yet, in its notice, it indicates that the list will be made public “no fewer than 15 days” prior to when the pilot program comes into force. The new regulations will be effective 15 days from their date of publication in the Federal Register.
Although the bond requirement is short term and limited in scope, it may affect diplomatic relationships and travel behavior from impacted countries. Business and tourism industries are monitoring the implementation for potential disruptions.
