[LAUREN KEENAN]
THE U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT IS SUGGESTING A NEW VISA POLICY IN WHICH PEOPLE WHO APPLY FOR BUSINESS OR TOURIST VISAS MAY NEED TO PAY A BOND OF UP TO $15-THOUSAND DOLLARS – AS A CONDITION FOR ENTERING THE UNITED STATES.
THE U.S. GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING A 12-MONTH TRIAL PROGRAM, TARGETING PEOPLE FROM CERTAIN COUNTRIES WITH HIGH VISA OVERSTAY RATES AND POOR DOCUMENT SECURITY. THESE APPLICANTS COULD BE REQUIRED TO PAY A REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT OF $5,000, $10,000, OR $15,000 WHEN APPLYING FOR A VEESAH.
THE GOAL IS TO REDUCE VISA OVERSTAYS AND ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH IMMIGRATION RULES, HOWEVER, IT COULD ALSO DISCOURAGE TRAVELERS FROM VISITING.
THE NEW VISA POLICY COULD MAKE TRAVEL TO THE U.S. MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE FOR PEOPLE FROM MANY COUNTRIES, ESPECIALLY FROM LOW-INCOME OR DEVELOPING REGIONS, POSSIBLY LIMITING ACCESS FOR LEGITIMATE TRAVELERS.
ANY FOREIGN PERSON SUBJECT TO THE VISA BOND WILL PAY IT TO THE U.S. TREASURY.
THE…
