The United States has made its controversial visa bond program permanent, allowing consular officers to require visitors from 50 countries to deposit up to $20,000 before receiving a tourist or business visa. The policy raises major questions about tourism, business travel, discrimination, and America's global competitiveness. SOURCE: US Makes Visa Bond Program Permanent: $20,000 Visa Bond Sparks Criticism—But Not from Tourism Leaders BY: eTurboNews