Tue Aug 05 00:32:30 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article rewrite from the Indian perspective:
**Summary:**
The U.S. State Department is proposing a pilot program that would require some tourist and business visa applicants from countries with high visa overstay rates to post a bond of up to $15,000. This initiative, part of a broader effort to tighten visa requirements, aims to reduce the risk of visitors overstaying their visas. The bond would not apply to citizens of countries in the Visa Waiver Program. The potential impact on Indian citizens traveling to the U.S. for business or tourism is significant and could make travel unaffordable for many.
**News Article:**
**U.S. Considers Stiff Visa Bonds, Potentially Impacting Indian Travelers**
**WASHINGTON, August 5, 2025 (The Hindu) –** The United States State Department is proposing a controversial new pilot program that could significantly increase the cost of U.S. visas for Indian citizens. Under the proposal, nationals from countries with high visa overstay rates, including potentially India, would be required to post a bond of up to $15,000 to secure a business or tourist visa.
The move, revealed in a notice to be published in the Federal Register, is the latest in a series of measures aimed at tightening U.S. immigration policies. Last week, the State Department announced stricter interview requirements for visa renewals.
The pilot program, set to launch within 15 days of its formal publication, targets countries where the U.S. deems visa overstay rates to be high and internal document security controls to be deficient. While the specific countries have not yet been named, the prospect of Indian applicants being subjected to the bond requirement has raised concerns about the affordability of U.S. travel for many.
“This could create a significant barrier for Indian businesses and tourists hoping to visit the U.S.,” said a Delhi-based travel agent. “The cost of a visa, coupled with the requirement of a substantial bond, could make travel prohibitive for a large segment of the population.”
The State Department argues that the bond is necessary to protect U.S. taxpayers from the financial burden of visa overstays. However, critics contend that the measure is discriminatory and will damage the U.S.’s reputation as a welcoming destination. The bond will be waived based on individual circumstances.
The proposal excludes citizens of countries in the Visa Waiver Program, primarily European nations. The program highlights potential disparities in treatment based on nationality.
The implications of this new policy for Indian citizens and businesses remain to be seen. The Hindu will continue to follow this developing story.
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