The United States State Department announced a new pilot program requiring some nonimmigrant visa applicants to post bonds of up to $15,000. This initiative, part of the Trump administration's intensified efforts against migration and visa overstays, is set to commence on August 20 and will run for 12 months. The program targets applicants for B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism) visas from countries identified as having high visa overstay rates and deficient internal document security controls, though specific countries were not initially named.

Under the new rules, consular officers have the discretion to require a bond ranging from a minimum of $5,000 up to $15,000 as a condition for visa issuance. These funds would be returned to the applicant upon their timely departure from the U.S., but would be forfeited if they remain past their authorized stay. Those subject to the bond requirement will also be restricted to entering and departing the United States through a pre-selected list of airports.

The State Department justified this measure as 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 as a 'legalised shakedown,' arguing it will make the visa application process unaffordable for many, particularly affecting individuals from nations such as Malawi and Zambia, which were mentioned as potential targets. This proposal reflects a broader tightening of visa requirements by the Trump administration, which also includes recent changes like mandatory additional in-person interviews for many visa renewal applicants and the requirement for Visa Diversity Lottery program applicants to possess valid passports from their country of citizenship.

Historically, visa bonds have been proposed but rarely implemented, with the State Department traditionally discouraging them due to the cumbersome process of posting and discharging bonds, as well as concerns about public perception. However, the department's current stance dismisses these past concerns, stating that previous views are not supported by recent evidence since visa bonds have not been a general requirement recently. It is important to note that citizens of countries enrolled in the Visa Waiver Program, which facilitates business or tourism travel for up to 90 days, will not be subject to this new bond requirement.