US Makes Visa Bond Program Permanent for 50 Countries
Consular officers can require a bond of up to $20,000 for visa applicants.
The US State Department building is in Washington, D.C.
A pilot program showed that a visa bond program can work to enforce compliance.
The pilot program allowed bonds of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, but now the maximum bond is $20,000.
The new rule starts on August 3 and applies to 50 countries, with 30 from Africa.
Cambodia is the only Southeast Asian country on the list, along with other Asian countries.
US officials say the policy will reduce visa overstays, but advocates disagree.
Some people think President Trump's immigration policies are unfair and create problems for minorities.
President Trump's administration has made it harder for people to immigrate to the US legally.
The US State Department will make the visa bond program permanent for 50 countries, mostly in Africa.
The program applies to B1 and B2 visas for business and tourism travel.
Consular officers can require a bond of up to $20,000 for visa applicants.
The pilot program showed that a visa bond program can work to enforce compliance.
The pilot program allowed bonds of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, but now the maximum bond is $20,000.
The new rule starts on August 3 and applies to 50 countries, with 30 from Africa.
US officials say the policy will reduce visa overstays, but advocates disagree.
Some people think President Trump's immigration policies are unfair and create problems for minorities.
President Trump's administration has made it harder for people to immigrate to the US legally.