The United States has introduced a bond scheme requiring tourists from Zambia and Malawi to pay bonds of $5,000 to $15,000 during their visa interview. This initiative aims to curb visa overstays, marking an approach that penalizes citizens from countries with high overstaying rates. The bonds would be refundable if tourists depart before their visa expires or if their visa is canceled. However, overstays or asylum applications would result in the federal government retaining the funds. This policy is part of a broader hardline immigration strategy.
Advocates have denounced the bond scheme as a legalised shakedown that profits from vulnerable, lawful travellers. The idea is to impose bonds on countries whose citizens have high rates of overstaying their US visas.
Tourists from Zambia and Malawi will have to pay an amount ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 at the time of their visa interview to enter the US. The money would be refunded if they depart on time.
If a tourist overstay their visa or apply for asylum, the federal government would keep the money. More countries are expected to be added to the list.
This targeted, common-sense measure reinforces the administration's commitment to US immigration law while deterring visa overstays. The bond requirement is set to take effect on August 20.
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