"The visa bond program has already proven effective at drastically reducing the number of visa recipients who overstay their visas and illegally remain in the United States, the State Department wrote in a news release on Wednesday. It explained that an estimated 1,000 visas have been issued under the bond programme, and that 97 percent of the recipients left the US within the timeframe of their visa."
"The 12 additional countries bring the total number of nations subject to the restrictions to 50. Most of them are African nations, and critics argue that the high bonds discriminate against low-income travellers. But the Trump administration has defended the policy as a means of reducing visa overstays."
"The costs are set according to three tiers: $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The amount is determined at the time of the visa interview, the State Department says on its website. Paying the bond does not guarantee a visa will be granted. The bond is ultimately refunded if the visa application is rejected, if entry into the US does not occur, or if the recipient adheres to the terms of the visa."
The U.S. Department of State has expanded its visa bond program by adding 12 countries to the list requiring applicants to post bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. This expansion brings the total number of affected nations to 50, predominantly African countries. The bonds apply to B-1 and B-2 visas for business visitors and tourists. The State Department reports the program has been effective, with approximately 1,000 visas issued and 97 percent of recipients departing within their visa timeframe. Critics argue the high bonds discriminate against low-income travelers, while the administration defends it as reducing illegal visa overstays. Bonds are refunded if applications are rejected, entry does not occur, or visa terms are followed. The new restrictions take effect April 2.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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