The US government is launching a new trial programme where some foreign visitors might have to pay up to $15,000 as a bond to enter the country. This rule would apply mainly to tourists or business travelers on B-1/B-2 visas.
The idea behind this move is to make sure visitors don’t stay in the US longer than allowed on their visas. The US says many people from certain countries have overstayed their visas in the past, and this bond is meant to reduce that risk.
The programme will run for 12 months, starting sometime this month and ending in August 2026. The US has not yet named which countries will be affected, but plans to announce that list at least 15 days before the programme begins. The list may be updated based on changing conditions.
Consular officers will decide if a visitor from a selected country needs to pay the bond, which could go up to $15,000. The amount will depend on how likely that person is to overstay, based on past data.
This new rule is part of a broader effort to tighten US immigration policies and encourage other countries to help reduce overstays by their citizens. The US wants foreign governments to do better identity checks and ensure their citizens leave the country on time after their visits.
According to US officials, over half a million people overstayed their visas in 2023 alone. Through this programme, the US hopes to send a strong message that visa rules must be followed.
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