The United States government has announced a new pilot program requiring tourists and business visa applicants to provide bonds of up to $15,000. The initiative, set to launch in two weeks, is part of broader efforts to enhance immigration control and ensure compliance with visa terms. Officials have not yet disclosed which countries will be affected by the bond requirement, though it is expected to target nations with a history of visa overstays.
Under the program, applicants will be required to provide a financial guarantee, which can be in the form of a bank guarantee, insurance policy, or funds held in a trust account. The bond serves as a deterrent against individuals who may attempt to overstay their visas or engage in unauthorized work. This measure is part of the Department of Homeland Security’s strategy to strengthen immigration security and manage border flows more effectively.
The decision comes amid heightened concerns over immigration enforcement and the need to protect national security interests. While the requirement is limited to certain visa categories, it reflects a growing trend of using financial mechanisms to control immigration. The pilot program will be closely monitored, and its success will determine whether the bond requirement is expanded to a broader range of applicants in the future.