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The State Department is proposing a rule requiring some business and tourist visa applicants to post a bond of up to $15,000 to enter the United States — a step critics say could put the process out of reach for many.
According to a notice set for publication Tuesday in the Federal Register, the department plans a 12‑month pilot program targeting applicants from countries with high visa overstay rates and weak internal document security. Under the plan, applicants could be required to post bonds of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 when applying for a visa.
The program, previewed Monday on the Federal Register website, would take effect within 15 days of publication. The department says the measure is intended to ensure the U.S. government does not incur costs if a visitor violates visa terms.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
Associated Press
