Visa Bonds of Up to $20,000 Made Permanent for 50 Countries, Mostly in Africa
The U.S. State Department has announced the permanent establishment of a visa bond program that requires applicants from 50 countries, predominantly in Africa, to post bonds of up to $20,000 when applying for U.S. visas. This program, initially a pilot under President Trump's administration, aims to curb visa overstays by requiring a refundable bond that ensures compliance with visa terms. The bond amounts are set at $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000, depending on the applicant's circumstances. The program has reportedly led to a significant reduction in visa overstays, but it has also resulted in an 83% drop in visa issuance to nationals of the affected countries, as many applicants are unable to afford the bond. 
