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Starting August 20, a pilot measure will take effect in the United States requiring the payment of a refundable bond of up to $15,000 from certain B1 and B2 visa applicants (tourism or business).
The initiative aims to reduce the overstaying of foreign visitors, which exceeded 500,000 people in 2023 alone. According to the Department of State, the deposit will be refunded as long as the traveler complies with immigration laws and leaves the country within the designated timeframe.
Although the official list of affected countries has not yet been published by the Department of State, Telemundo 51 confirmed that the first two included are Malawi and Zambia, both from the African continent.
The measure was announced this Tuesday and is aimed at citizens of countries with high levels of illegal residency or with immigration control systems deemed unreliable by U.S. authorities. It will be implemented during a trial period of one year, as detailed in the Federal Register.
The fear within the Latin community has been growing regarding the possibility that countries in that region might be included on the list. For now, Haiti is the only one confirmed from the American continent, but there is speculation that Venezuela, Brazil, and Colombia, three of the countries with the most visas issued in the United States, might also be affected.
In the coming days, the State Department is expected to release the final list of involved countries.
The immigration lawyer Lídice Samper explained that the bonds will not be the same for all travelers: singles would have to pay $15,000; couples or families up to $10,000; and unaccompanied minors $5,000.
This new measure is part of the immigration policy of the Donald Trump administration that aims to tighten entry controls into the country, especially in the context of preparations for international events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
On August 4th, the United States suspended the issuance of visas for citizens of Burundi due to repeated violations of residency conditions.
Meanwhile, around 40 countries, mostly European, are part of the Visa Waiver Program, which allows stays of up to 90 days without a visa. No African country is included in this program, and Qatar is the only one in the Middle East that enjoys this benefit.
Frequently asked questions about the new bonds for visa applicants in the U.S.
Which countries are initially affected by the new bond requirements for visas in the U.S.?
The first countries affected by the measure are Malawi and Zambia, as confirmed by Telemundo 51. Although the complete list has not yet been officially published, there are concerns that other countries with high levels of illegal residency may also be included.
What does the bond required from certain visa applicants in the U.S. consist of?
The pilot measure will require the payment of a refundable bond of up to $15,000 from certain B1 and B2 visa applicants. This will be returned if the traveler complies with immigration laws and departs the U.S. within the authorized time.
Why is this bond requirement for visas in the U.S. being implemented?
The aim of the measure is to reduce the overstay of foreign visitors, a problem that exceeded 500,000 individuals in 2023. This seeks to protect the U.S. government from incurring financial responsibilities if a visitor does not comply with the conditions of their visa.
How does this measure affect the Latin community and other countries in America?
Although currently only Haiti has been confirmed from the region, there is concern that countries like Venezuela, Brazil, and Colombia may be included due to their high levels of extended visas and illegal residency rates.
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