A U.S. visa bond program requiring some visitors to post up to $20,000 is now permanent—and could expand. Washington calls it an immigration enforcement success, but its own figures show visa issuance plunged 83%. Travel leaders warn broader expansion could deliver a serious blow to U.S. tourism. SOURCE: US Visa Bond Could Expand to More Countries: $20,000 Price Tag Alarms Tourism Industry BY: eTurboNews
The U.S. visa bond program requires certain visitors to post a financial bond, which can be as high as $20,000, to ensure they comply with visa conditions.
The U.S. government claims the program has been successful in enforcing immigration rules, despite a significant drop in visa issuance.
Travel industry leaders warn that expanding the visa bond program could deter international visitors, leading to a serious decline in U.S. tourism.
The implementation of the visa bond program has led to an 83% drop in visa issuance, raising concerns among tourism advocates.