Trump's new plan to impose $15,000 bail for some foreigners entering the United States

Its main objective is to ensure that visa applicants do not overstay their authorized stay in the United States. The pilot project is scheduled to last 12 months. According to the State Department notice, it applies to both tourist and business travel. This initiative "reinforces the Trump administration's commitment to enforcing U.S. immigration laws and protecting national security," according to a spokesperson.

This includes "nationals of countries identified by the Department of State as having high overstay rates" or those whose "screening and verification information is deemed insufficient," at the discretion of consular officers.

Which countries are affected?

According to the document, some 500,000 people overstayed their authorized stay in the United States during fiscal year 2023 (October to October). The State Department did not release the list of countries affected. However, some 40 countries, mainly in Europe, participate in a visa waiver program for a limited period of 90 days.

In recent months, the US president has begun tightening visa requirements for many countries, particularly in Africa , amid Washington's anti-immigration crackdown. On Monday, the United States announced it was suspending visas to Burundians, citing "repeated violations" by citizens of the impoverished African country.