US tightens immigration policy for 12 new countries

ISLAMABAD: The United States government has established a security visa bond requirement that requires visa applicants from 12 new countries to pay a bond amounting to $15,000 because of increased immigration regulations that the Trump administration implemented.

According to the U.S. Department of State, the requirement will apply mainly to applicants for B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visas. The bond amount will be set in three tiers, $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, depending on the decision made during the visa interview.

The new requirement will take effect from April 2, bringing the total number of countries under the visa bond program to around 50, most of them from Africa.

U.S. officials created the program to achieve two objectives, which include preventing visa overstays and making sure that visitors exit the country before their authorized stay ends.

The authorities explained that the bond payment only serves as a financial obligation, which does not guarantee visa approval. The bond amount will be refunded in cases where an application receives rejection or the traveler meets visa requirements and departs the country on schedule.

Since his return to power in January 2025, President Trump has increased government efforts to strengthen immigration controls through new visa limitations and expanded deportation programs.

Countries Included in the New List

The newly added countries include:

• Cambodia
• Ethiopia
• Georgia
• Grenada
• Lesotho
• Mauritius
• Mongolia
• Mozambique
• Nicaragua
• Papua New Guinea
• Seychelles
• Tunisia