US Implements New Visa Bond Policy: Aims to Reduce Overstaying

The United States government has announced a new policy aimed at reducing the number of visitors who overstay their visas. Under the new rule, visitors from certain countries will be required to pay a $15,000 bond, which will be refunded when they leave the country before their visa expires. The policy is set to take effect on June 24, 2024, and will apply to visitors from countries with high rates of visa overstaying. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has identified 24 countries with high rates of visa overstaying, including Afghanistan, Angola, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, and others. The bond requirement will be mandatory for visitors from these countries who are applying for B2 visas, which are non-immigrant visas for tourism, business, or other non-work-related purposes. The $15,000 bond will be required in addition to the standard visa application fee. Visitors who are required to pay the bond will need to provide proof of payment when they apply for their visa. The bond will be refunded when the visitor leaves the US before their visa expires, provided they comply with all the terms and conditions of their visa. The new policy is part of a broader effort by the US government to reduce visa overstaying and improve the integrity of the US immigration system. According to the DHS, visa overstaying is a significant problem, with hundreds of thousands of visitors failing to leave the US before their visas expire each year. The new policy is expected to affect thousands of visitors from the identified countries, who will need to pay the $15,000 bond in order to enter the US. The bond requirement is seen as a way to incentivize visitors to comply with the terms of their visa and leave the US before their visa expires. The US government has also announced plans to increase enforcement and penalties for visitors who overstay their visas. The new policy has been met with mixed reactions, with some arguing that it is a necessary measure to protect national security and others arguing that it is unfair and discriminatory. The policy is set to be reviewed and evaluated after a period of six months to determine its effectiveness. The US government has also announced plans to expand the policy to other countries in the future, depending on the results of the initial pilot program. The new policy is part of a broader effort by the US government to reform the US immigration system and reduce visa overstaying. The policy is expected to have significant implications for visitors from the identified countries, who will need to pay the $15,000 bond in order to enter the US. The US government has also announced plans to increase public awareness and outreach efforts to inform visitors about the new policy and the requirements for complying with the terms of their visa. The policy is seen as a way to promote national security and protect the integrity of the US immigration system. The US government has also announced plans to work with international partners to share information and best practices on reducing visa overstaying and improving immigration enforcement. The new policy is expected to be closely monitored and evaluated to determine its effectiveness in reducing visa overstaying and improving the integrity of the US immigration system.

Source