WASHINGTON– The U.S. State Department will launch a 12-month pilot program that could require certain foreign nationals applying for business or tourist visas to post bonds of up to $15,000, according to a notice previewed on the Federal Register website.
Under the “visa bond pilot program,” consular officers may require qualifying applicants to post guarantee bonds of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The measure is aimed at travelers from countries the State Department identifies as having high rates of visa overstays or inadequate screening and vetting systems.
The program will take effect 15 days after the official publication of the notice, scheduled for Tuesday. A list of affected countries will be published online at least 15 days before implementation.
The initiative is the latest in a series of tighter visa controls by the Trump administration. Last week, the State Department announced that many visa renewal applicants would now need to attend an additional in-person interview — a requirement that was not previously in place.
In recent months, the department has also instructed U.S. diplomatic missions to expand vetting for student visa applicants by reviewing their social media activity and online presence. Consular officers will check for “any indications of hostility towards the citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles of the United States,” according to departmental guidance cited by U.S. media.
The enhanced screening applies to both new and returning student and exchange visitor applicants. Those who refuse to make their social media accounts public may face rejection.
The State Department on Wednesday authorized U.S. missions abroad to resume processing student visa applications, which had been suspended since May 27. (Source: IANS)
