For millions of Bangladeshis, the United States’ newly announced visa bond requirement represents a significant new obstacle to short-term travel, one that critics say places financial pressure on ordinary citizens while doing little to address the underlying causes of visa overstays. US officials say the measure is intended to discourage overstays by creating a financial incentive to comply with visa rules. Although the bond is refundable, applicants must pay it upfront, often months before travel, and reimbursement can take time even after a timely departure. A tightening travel environmentThe visa bond is part of a broader immigration push under President Donald Trump’s renewed administration, which has included expanded deportations, stricter visa screening, revocations of legal status and increased scrutiny of applicants’ public activity. While US officials insist the bond does not deny entry, analysts say it adds yet another layer of deterrence in an already complex visa system.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 09, 2026 09:51 UTC