In a move aimed at addressing concerns around visa overstays and illegal immigration, the U.S. State Department announced that starting on April 2, 2026, passport holders from 12 new countries will be required to post bonds of up to $15,000 for business and tourist visas. The countries included in this expansion are Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia. This policy marks an increase in the total number of countries subject to such requirements, which has risen to 50. The bond amounts can vary based on individual circumstances and are at the discretion of consular officers during visa interviews. Originally rolled out by the Trump administration, this initiative was intended as part of a broader effort to crack down on visa overstays, which officials pointed out are prevalent in many of the countries affected. Authorities have noted that the bond program has seen a high compliance rate, with nearly 97% of individuals who posted bonds adhering to their visa terms. Proponents of the expanded bond requirement argue that it has been effective in substantially reducing the overstaying of visas among recipients, thus simplifying the enforcement of immigration policies. The expansion aligns with other recent immigration changes initiated by the administration, which include tightening screening measures, implementing social media vetting, and increasing consular interview requirements. Expectations surrounding the impact of these changes include a potential decrease in the number of visa overstays from the newly added countries, reflecting the administration’s ongoing immigration reform agenda. The State Department has been evoking strong stances on immigration policy, asserting that tighter controls are essential for national security and integrity of the visa system.