URGENT UPDATE: The United States is set to implement a controversial pilot program that could require tourists and business visitors to pay bonds worth up to $15,000 starting August 20, 2023. This move aims to combat the rising number of visa overstays and enhance border security.
According to a recent notice from the Federal Register, U.S. consular officers will have the authority to impose bonds of $5,000, $10,000, or the maximum of $15,000 on visitors from countries with high rates of visa overstays or insufficient screening data. The government has not disclosed how many visa applicants will be affected, but the implications could be significant for international travel.
This pilot program is part of President Donald Trump‘s ongoing efforts to tighten immigration policies. Over the past few years, his administration has focused on cracking down on illegal immigration, leading to decreased travel interest from certain countries. In fact, transatlantic airfares have plummeted to levels not seen since before the pandemic, and travel from Canada and Mexico to the U.S. has dropped by 20% year-on-year.
The program will last for approximately one year, with consular officers generally expected to require at least $10,000 in bonds. Similar measures were attempted during November 2020, but were not fully implemented due to the global travel restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Countries affected by the new bond requirements include those previously targeted by Trump’s travel ban, such as Chad, Eritrea, Haiti, Myanmar, and Yemen. Many of these nations show significant overstay rates, which have contributed to the new policy. Additionally, numerous African countries, including Burundi, Djibouti, and Togo, are also on the list of high-risk nations according to data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection for fiscal year 2023.
As the implementation date approaches, travelers and potential visa applicants are urged to stay informed about these developing regulations. This policy could reshape the landscape of travel to the U.S. and may deter many from planning trips, impacting both tourism and international relations.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation unfolds.
