Trump's costly visa bond program is now permanent

The US has made permanent a visa bond program requiring citizens from 50 countries, including 30 in Africa, to post bonds for tourist and business visas. The program, which initially allowed bonds of $5,000–$15,000, now permits up to $20,000 and eliminates the $5,000 tier. The State Department claims it reduced overstays to near zero, but critics argue it imposes financial burdens, with visa issuances from affected countries dropping by 83%.