The United States is set to implement a pilot program requiring foreign nationals from specific countries to pay between $5,000 and $15,000 as a deposit for a tourist or business visa. This initiative, announced in the Federal Register, is part of President Donald Trump’s intensified efforts to combat illegal immigration, which he has positioned as a central issue of his presidency. The program, effective August 20, applies to B-1 and B-2 visa holders from countries with high visa overstay rates, limited vetting data, or citizenship-by-investment programs lacking residency requirements. Bond amounts will be determined based on factors such as travel purpose, employment, income, skills, and education. The list of targeted countries is set to be released soon, with the State Department anticipating around 2,000 to 3,000 applicants during the trial period. Critics, including analysts from Moody’s and the Economic Policy Institute, have warned that Trump’s immigration policies could exacerbate economic challenges, potentially leading to a recession and job losses. The administration’s approach, which includes expanding border security, increasing detention funding, and implementing travel bans, faces mounting concerns about its impact on the labor market and overall economic growth.