People intending to visit US need to post $15000 bond; what does this mean for Indians?

Washington: Travelling to the U.S. is set to become more expensive, as the Trump administration plans to impose a bond of up to $15,000 on certain business and tourist visa applicants.

Effective August 20, this new policy by President Donald Trump aims to crack down on visitors who overstay their visas.

What is the new visa bond pilot program?

1. The department would start a 12-month pilot program under which people from countries deemed to have high overstay rates and deficient internal document security controls.

2. Visitors are required to post bonds of three options: $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 when they apply for a visa.

3. The funds will be returned to travelers if they depart under the terms of their visas.

4. Bonds could also be applied to people coming from countries where screening and vetting information is deemed insufficient.

5. The pilot program would take effect within 15 days of its formal publication, i.e, from August 20.

6. Pilot program targets countries with high visa overstay rates.

7. The bond would not apply to citizens of countries enrolled in the Visa Waiver Program, which enables travel for business or tourism for up to 90 days.

8. The majority of the 42 countries enrolled in the program are in Europe, with others in Asia, the Middle East, and elsewhere.

9. A similar pilot program was launched in November 2020 during the last months of Trump's first term in office, but it was not fully implemented.

10. The visa bond pilot program marks a major shift in U.S. immigration and travel policy, especially for those visiting for medical, family, or business reasons.