African Communities Together (ACT) condemns the recent expansion of the visa bond policy. Earlier this month, the State Department added Mali, Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, and Tanzania to the list of countries whose citizens are required to post a bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 as a condition for entry into the U.S. This policy underscores the Trump Administration's efforts to restrict pathways for individuals seeking to enter the U.S.
It is particularly concerning that this policy appears to target African countries, which are currently the only nations affected. We find it staggering that these countries have, in many cases, demonstrably low visa overstay rates, rendering the justification for such a restrictive policy questionable. The U.S. benefits significantly from the diverse contributions of visitors and individuals who come on various temporary visas. Restricting entry for these visitors is not only un-American, but also directly undermines the congressional intent behind the establishment of visitor and other temporary visa categories.
We urge the Trump Administration to reconsider this policy and its detrimental impact on international relations and the fundamental principles of openness and exchange