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The Trump administration is working on a new plan that could make some visitors to the U.S. pay a huge deposit. This bond could be as high as $15,000. The idea is to stop people from overstaying their visas. It would mostly affect people from countries with a high rate of overstays, especially in parts of Africa.
Right now, this is just a test program. It would run for one year to see if it actually works. Visitors on tourist or business visas from certain countries would need to pay either $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. That decision would be made at their visa interview. The money would be returned if they leave the U.S. on time, become citizens, or pass away.
So far, only Malawi and Zambia are listed for this policy. But more countries could be added.
Many people are saying this is a bad idea. Travel experts believe it will stop tourists from wanting to come at all. The U.S. is already losing billions in tourism, and this could make things worse. Even Americans like Serge and Lee Garces say this will harm the country, not help it.
The U.S. recently added a $250 visa fee too. Critics say all these charges make the country less welcoming. One travel group even joked that the high fees are worse than what Ticketmaster charges.
Tourism in the U.S. is already falling, while other countries are seeing a rise. With this new bond plan, the situation could get worse. Instead of solving visa problems, it may just push more people to skip visiting the U.S. altogether.