In a bid to curb visa overstays, Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, has proposed a new bill that would require some temporary visa applicants to pay a bond or cash deposit before entering the U.S.
The bill, called the Timely Departure Act, would apply to foreign nationals who seek admission to the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa, such as a tourist, student or work visa. The amount of the bond or deposit would range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the visa category and the country of origin.
The bond or deposit would be refunded to the visa holder when they depart the U.S. in compliance with their visa terms, or when they adjust their status to a permanent resident. However, if they overstay their visa, they would forfeit the bond or deposit to the Department of Homeland Security, which would use the funds to detain and deport those who are in the country illegally.
According to Vance, the bill is intended to deter visa overstays and ensure that temporary visitors respect U.S. immigration laws. He said that visa overstays account for nearly half of the illegal population in the U.S., and that they pose a security risk and a burden on public resources.
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