The White House has announced new, controversial measures to fight against “illegal” immigration to the United States. As of August 20, 2025, travelers from a series of countries who have a B-1 business visa or B-2 tourist visa will have to pay a substantial deposit if they want to travel to the country. The amount can be as high as USD 15,000.
Visa rules tightened for two countries
Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the US Department of Homeland Security, has recently announced that, as of August 20, 2025, travelers from certain countries will need to pay a deposit before traveling to the US . Initially, this will apply to travelers from Malawi and Zambia. The pilot program is scheduled to run for 12 months.
What is the official reason for this measure?
According to the US government, the aim is to reduce “illegal migration” to the United States. That is why countries with the highest rates of infraction of the maximum length of stay are being targeted. If travelers leave the US on time, the amount will be refunded at the end of their stay. However, the deposit will be retained if travelers apply for asylum in the US or enroll in another immigration program. If a traveler does not leave on time, the deposit may be retained.
Which countries might follow suit?
Compared to the total number of travelers who visit the US each year, the number of travelers from Malawi and Zambia is quite limited. However, the Department of Homeland Security has already announced that the list of countries that will need to pay a deposit to visit the US will be subject to constant change. Other countries will be included in the program if they have a high percentage of “overstayers” and travelers remain in the US longer than allowed. Another reason why countries may be included in this program could be that the US deems that they don't provide enough information about travelers. Countries offering nationality in exchange for an investment may also be included on the list in the future.
How many of the “illegal” migrants in America are “overstayers”?
Statistical agencies and experts in the US disagree on the ratio of overstayers as compared to the total number of people without residence permits. The Center for Migration Studies, an independent think tank, concluded that in 2024, approximately 42 percent of those without an US residence permits had originally entered the country on a temporary visa.
The vast majority of travelers adhere to the rules.
A 2024 report by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) found that there were 565,155 cases where the maximum length of stay was exceeded. This amounts to 1.45% of the total number of arrivals in America on a temporary visa. Conversely, this means that 98.55% of travelers do comply with the rules.
Critics see a symbolic policy and discrimination
According to opponents, the strict measures only affect travelers from poorer African countries with limited diplomatic power and income. For many people from these countries, this makes traveling to the US financially unfeasible, while people from richer countries with more political influence do not have to pay a deposit.
ESTA countries exempt from the new regulation
Currently, there are 41 countries in the ESTA program that can travel to the United States without a visa. Travelers from these countries can stay in the United States for up to 90 days with a digital travel authorization (ESTA). Many European countries are also part of the ESTA program. If you want to travel to the United States in the next two years, you can already submit an application at e-Visa.co.uk. Here you can make use of application form with clear explanations. Read more about the ESTA requirements. In this article you will find more information about the period of validity.