By Redaction ARPS Media with CBS
The U.S. State Department is preparing to implement a visa bond program, requiring individuals from certain countries to pay up to $15,000 before entering the United States on tourist or business visas.
This initiative, reminiscent of a Trump-era policy, targets countries with overstay rates exceeding 10% and aims to ensure visitors leave the U.S. as scheduled.
A trial program will commence with a list of affected countries, which will be made available on the Travel.State.Gov website before launch. Factors for selection include overstay statistics and concerns about vetting systems.
The program may impact around 2,000 applicants, particularly from nations with low travel to the U.S., and has prompted warnings from the U.S. Travel Association about its potential adverse effect on tourism.
Human rights advocates have also raised concerns about possible profiling and detentions stemming from these policies.
Read more at: State Department may require some travelers to post $15,000 bond for business or tourism visas – CBS News
