Story perspectives

Trump Expands Visa Bond Program, Adds 12 Countries

3/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump expands the Visa Bond Pilot Program by adding 12 countries, including Cambodia and Ethiopia, to the list of 38.
Non-immigrant visa applicants must pay bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.
Critics say the bonds disproportionately affect low-income travelers.
The program begins April 2, 2025, as part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s broader immigration strategy, which includes suspending visa processing for many nations and limiting asylum claims.

History

Historical Context

The Trump administration's "Public Charge Rule," enacted in 2019, mandated that immigrants demonstrate financial self-sufficiency, impacting millions, especially low-income individuals. This policy reflects a broader trend of restrictive immigration measures in the U.S., which aim to limit immigration from countries perceived as likely to require public assistance, further entrenching socioeconomic barriers for vulnerable populations seeking U.S. visas.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump expands the Visa Bond Pilot Program by adding 12 countries, including Cambodia and Ethiopia, to the list of 38.
Non-immigrant visa applicants must pay bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.
Critics say the bonds disproportionately affect low-income travelers.
The program begins April 2, 2025, as part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s broader immigration strategy, which includes suspending visa processing for many nations and limiting asylum claims.

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