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The State Department will launch a pilot program requiring up to a $15,000 bond from foreign nationals seeking business or tourist visas from select countries with high visa overstay rates or deficient vetting. The 12-month program, stemming from a Trump executive order, targets B-1 and B-2 visa applicants. While specific countries aren't yet named, the program will affect those with high overstay rates like Chad, Laos, Haiti, and Congo. Critics argue this will negatively impact tourism and the US economy, deterring travel. The program aims to improve screening and vetting processes in foreign countries.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.