Background and Context
Historically, the idea of a visa bond is not new — but it has rarely been implemented. The State Department has traditionally discouraged such requirements, citing the logistical burden of collecting and refunding the bonds, as well as concerns about public perception and diplomatic fallout.
This pilot program comes as part of a broader tightening of visa protocols under the Trump administration. Just last week, the State Department announced that many visa renewal applicants would now be required to attend in-person interviews — a shift from prior policy. The department is also seeking to require valid passports from all entrants in the Visa Diversity Lottery program.
While officials have long maintained that visa bonds are impractical, the department’s new stance is that there is “no recent evidence” to support those concerns. The notice specifically states the program is intended to ensure that the U.S. government is not financially liable if a visitor fails to comply with the terms of their visa.
