U.S. Imposes Up to $15,000 Deposit on Tourist Visa Applicants from High-Risk Countries

In a decisive move to protect American borders and uphold immigration laws, the U.S. government has announced a pilot program demanding deposits of up to $15,000 from tourists applying for B-1/B-2 visas originating from countries with high rates of visa overstays. This measure goes beyond mere paperwork; it is a direct response to the alarming reality that over half a million individuals exceeded their authorized stay in fiscal year 2023. The Department of State’s notice published in the Federal Register outlines this new policy as a twelve-month trial targeting an estimated 2,000 applicants who will face an average bond payment...