U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio – head of the U.S State Department, the issuer of the pilot program notice (photo by Newsweek)
In a move that could send shockwaves through the travel industry and ripple across international borders, the US government has proposed a controversial plan that would require some visitors to post a bond of up to $15,000 just to enter the country.
This eyebrow-raising initiative, poised to launch on August 20 as part of a 12-month pilot program, is likely to have significant implications for residents of Antigua and Barbuda, as well as tourists from countries deemed “high-risk.”
An insider from the passport and visa issuing sector told Antigua.news that “This is frightening for everyone, regardless of their background. It looks like every citizen may be compelled to pay this bond to set foot in the US. This move hints at an agenda that could effectively keep less affluent individuals out of the country.”
The implications are clear: only those with deep pockets may easily navigate the new entry requirements.
Under the proposed scheme, which targets business and tourist visa applicants from nations with high rates of visa overstays, bonds ranging from $5,000 to a staggering $15,000 could be required. Should travelers comply with their visa conditions, these fees would be refunded—a small consolation for those facing financial strain.
Countries involved in the Visa Waiver Program, like the UK, are exempt from this staggering bond requirement, but the State Department warned that the list of countries subject to the bond could change based on factors like overstay rates and potential security concerns.
The unsettling rationale behind this initiative is highlighted by stark statistics from the Department of Homeland Security, which revealed over 500,000 suspected overstayers in 2023 alone.
While the US Travel Association acknowledges that the scope of the program may only affect around 2,000 applicants from select countries, they cautioned that these exorbitant fees could severely deter travel.
If fully implemented, the US would hold the dubious distinction of having one of the highest visitor visa fees in the world—an alarming prospect for travelers everywhere.
It is clear that Donald Trump dows not want poor people in his country. Black people will lie and beg to get a US visa. Some people cry at windows, spend all their savings. To venture into a country that treats them like aliens. Lol. Stay and develop uour countries. Live a life of freedom.
What’s Crazy if we did this…They would try to invade…Cause of their Bad Mindset..This is all about lining their pockets…Everyone who is part of this INCOMPETENT CIRCUS 🤡.. is doing everything illegal for financial self gain..Immigrants are the FOUNDATION of America…and these …are trying to change years of HISTORY…
No worries Caribbean island needs to put visa on cruise ship usa persons and wedding hikes when they come tits for taps lol.
The US proposal for a visa bond, especially if linked to our Citizenship by Investment program, is a direct challenge to our national sovereignty. While we must address security concerns, a blanket bond requirement is not the answer.
This is pure discrimination. They just don’t want poor black and brown people visiting. Plain and simple
I got family in the States, but even they not worth $15K! I staying right ya! 😂
I heard that, I’m right with you there sister! 😂😂😂
Has this been confirmed? Until then maybe we shouldn’t overreact. Ant there are other places besides the US to travel to
FYI. A $15,000 surety bond doesn’t cost the entire amount. A person with good credir might cost $15-$450. That cost will go up based on your credit. The author left out important information probably on purpose to have readers panic. I know plenty of white, brown, and black people that could qualify with great credit.
Sorry. $150 -$450
Whichever way you gotta pay something to stay in Trumps 🌎.
Well, that is their country, and they can do what they want to protect their borders. We here in Antigua and Barbuda need to put things in place to protect our borders, beaches, and beachfront lands.
Let’s see-the only people wanting to post the bond would be terrorists or drug dealers? Or would applying for bond prompt a criminal background check? Hmm