The US State Departmentannounced a new pilot program requiring some visa applicants to pay bonds of up to $15,000, effective later this month. This initiative is a component of the Trump administration's intensified efforts to curb migration and discourage visa overstays. Starting August 20, the 12-month program will mandate nonimmigrant visa applicants from specific countries to post collateral ranging from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $15,000 as a prerequisite for visa issuance. These funds would be returned to the applicant if they adhere to the terms of their stay, but would be forfeited if they remain in the United States beyond the permitted deadline.

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The program specifically targets foreign nationals seeking B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) nonimmigrant visas, particularly those from nations identified by the Department of Homeland Security's 2023report as having high visa overstay rates and deficient internal document security controls. While the State Department's initial notice did not explicitly name all affected countries, it was later indicated that countries such as Malawi and Zambia could be impacted. Additionally, individuals required to pay these bonds may be restricted to entering and departing the United States via a pre-selected list of airports.

The State Department justified the program's launch by stating it is a "key pillar of the Trump Administration's foreign policy to protect the United States from the clear national security threat posed by visa overstays." However, critics have swiftly denounced the bond scheme, labeling it a 'legalized shakedown' that unfairly profits from vulnerable, lawful travelers. Despite the criticisms, the administration proceeds, asserting that previous concerns about the cumbersome process of managing such bonds or public misperception are not supported by recent evidence.

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This pilot program is part of a broader series of tightened requirements for visa applicants introduced by the Trump administration. Other recent changes include additional in-person interviews for many visa renewal applicants, a step not previously required, and a proposal to necessitate valid passports from their country of citizenship for applicants of theVisa Diversity Lottery program. While the bond amount could potentially be waived depending on an applicant's individual circumstances, the program explicitly excludes citizens of countries enrolled in the Visa Waiver Program,which facilitates business or tourist travel for up to 90 days for nationals of 42 countries, predominantly in Europe.