In a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, the State Department has announced the initiation of a pilot program that will require certain B-1/B-2 tourist and business visa applicants to post refundable bonds of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000.
The program, which is set to commence on August 20th, will span nearly a year and primarily target foreign nationals from countries identified as having "high visa overstay rates, weak screening or vetting systems," or those "offering citizenship by investment without residency requirements."
According to One America News, the program aligns with the Trump administration's efforts to tighten visa application procedures. The State Department recently disclosed that many visa renewal applicants would now be subjected to an additional in-person interview, a step that was previously unnecessary. Furthermore, the department has recommended that candidates for the Visa Diversity Lottery program hold current passports from their home countries.
The pilot program initially includes only Malawi and Zambia, with the expectation of adding more countries later. The comprehensive list will be made public at least 15 days prior to the program's implementation.
"Any citizen or national traveling on a passport issued by one of these countries who is found otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa must post a bond in amounts of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, determined at the time of the visa interview," the State Department stated.
Applicants are also required to submit a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-352, agreeing to the bond terms, through the Department of the Treasury's online payment platform, Pay.gov. This requirement applies regardless of the place of application. Consular officers will decide on the necessity of a bond and its amount, based on individual assessments.
If a bond is deemed necessary, the visa application process is temporarily halted until payment is made via DHS Form I-352 on Pay.gov within 30 days. Visas issued under the pilot program are valid for a single entry within three months and generally limit admission to 30 days.
Travelers under this program must enter and exit the U.S. through designated airports: Boston Logan, JFK in New York, or Washington Dulles. Failure to adhere to these stipulations may result in denied entry or improper departure tracking.
Bonds are fully refundable provided the traveler departs on time, adheres to visa conditions, or properly applies for an extension or change of status. However, if the traveler overstays, applies for asylum, or fails to meet the conditions, the bond is forfeited.
The U.S. Travel Association estimates that this program will impact approximately 2,000 applicants during the pilot phase, primarily from countries with low travel volumes to the U.S. Countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), including most of Europe, Australia, Israel, etc., are exempt from this program. These countries have bilateral agreements with the U.S. based on mutual trust, ensuring stringent security, identity verification, and information-sharing protocols.
Despite the program's potential to enhance compliance and improve vetting procedures in source countries, critics have labeled it a "legalized shakedown," arguing that it disproportionately affects less affluent travelers. However, the program remains a trial, with potential expansions to be determined based on its effectiveness in ensuring adherence to visa regulations.
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