FOREIGN VISITORS TO PAY RS 13 LAKH BOND FOR U.S. ENTRY

The Trump administration in the United States introduced a new visa bond policy aimed at reducing the number of illegal immigrants staying in the country after their visas expire. This new rule focuses on tourists and business travelers from selected countries. Under this policy, some visa applicants will be asked to pay a refundable bond of up to Rs 13 lakh (about $15,000) before entering the U.S.

This system is being introduced to ensure that people who come to the U.S. on temporary visas do not overstay. According to immigration officials, a large number of tourists and business visitors fail to leave the country before their visa period ends. This leads to problems with illegal immigration, which the U.S. government wants to control strictly.
Why Was This Policy Introduced?

The main reason behind this visa bond policy is to make sure that visitors respect the rules of their visa. Many people come to the U.S. on B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourist) visas but fail to return home before their visa expires. Once they overstay, they become illegal immigrants, and it becomes difficult for the government to track or deport them.

The Trump administration believes that asking visitors from certain countries to pay a security deposit will encourage them to return home on time. If they do leave before their visa expires, the money will be returned. If they overstay, the bond will be forfeited.

Who Will Be Affected?

This new rule does not apply to everyone. It targets travelers from countries whose citizens have a high rate of overstaying their visas. The list includes around 20 to 25 countries. Most of these countries are in Africa and Asia. Some of the countries affected by this rule include:

Nigeria

Afghanistan

Iran

Yemen

Liberia

Mauritania

Chad

Angola

Burkina Faso

These countries were selected based on reports showing that many of their citizens fail to return home after their U.S. visas expire.

How Much is the Bond?

The visa bond amount will range from $5,000 to $15,000, which is around Rs 4 lakh to Rs 13 lakh in Indian currency. The actual amount depends on the applicant’s risk level as seen by the U.S. immigration authorities. If the traveler leaves the U.S. before their visa expires, they can get their money back. But if they stay longer than permitted, they lose the full amount.

This rule is set to begin on August 20 and will continue as part of a pilot program for six months. After that, the U.S. government will review its effects and decide whether to continue, change, or stop it.

Mixed Reactions to the Rule

The new policy has received mixed reactions around the world. Some people support it, saying that it is necessary to stop illegal immigration and make visitors more responsible. They argue that the system is not permanent and only applies to people from certain countries with high overstay rates.

On the other hand, many human rights groups, immigration lawyers, and foreign governments have criticized the move. They say the visa bond is unfair and creates an extra financial burden on poor travelers. Many families who want to visit their relatives in the U.S. will not be able to afford such a large amount.

Critics also argue that the rule targets certain countries unfairly and creates a sense of discrimination. They believe that this policy will harm diplomatic relations between the U.S. and these countries.

Possible Consequences

The impact of this policy will depend on how it is implemented and how many people it affects. Some of the likely outcomes include:

Decrease in visa overstays: Visitors may take their visa deadlines more seriously to get their bond money back.

Drop in tourism and business visits: Many people from the affected countries might not be able to afford the bond amount, which could reduce the number of visitors.

Tensions with foreign governments: Countries affected by this policy may respond with stricter rules for American travelers.

Legal challenges: Immigration activists might take legal action against the policy, claiming it is discriminatory or violates international agreements.