By Zoila Palma: The United States Department of State has expanded its visa bond program to include 12 additional countries, requiring certain applicants to post bonds of up to $15,000 as a condition for entry.
The policy, introduced under U.S. President Donald Trump, is part of broader efforts to tighten immigration controls and is set to take effect on April 2.
With the latest expansion, the number of countries subject to the bond requirement has risen to 50.
The newly added nations are Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles and Tunisia. The program applies to applicants seeking B-1 and B-2 visas, which are issued to business travelers and tourists.
Under the policy, applicants may be required to pay bonds in three tiers—$5,000, $10,000 or $15,000—determined during the visa interview process. Payment of the bond does not guarantee visa approval.
According to the U.S. State Department, the funds are refundable if the visa is denied, if the individual does not travel, or if the traveler complies with the terms of the visa.
US officials have defended the measure as an effective tool to reduce visa overstays.
In a statement, the U.S. State Department said approximately 1,000 visas have been issued under the program so far, with 97 percent of recipients departing the country within the authorized timeframe.
The post International News: US expands Visa bond policy to 12 more countries, applicants face up to $15,000 requirement appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The United States Department of State has expanded its visa bond program to include 12 additional countries, requiring certain applicants to post bonds of up to $15,000 as a condition for entry. The policy, introduced under U.S. President Donald Trump, is part of broader efforts to tighten immigration controls and is set
The post International News: US expands Visa bond policy to 12 more countries, applicants face up to $15,000 requirement appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
