The Trump administration has expanded a controversial visa bond policy that could require Nigerian citizens applying for U.S. visitor visas to post refundable bonds of up to $15,000 as a condition of visa issuance. The policy, aimed at reducing visa overstays, was recently updated to include Nigeria among 38 affected countries, with the new rules set to take effect for Nigerian applicants later this month.
Under the requirement, travelers eligible for B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourist) visas may be asked to deposit a substantial financial guarantee — determined at the visa interview — before a visa is issued. While the bond can be refunded if the holder departs the United States on time, critics say the cost could deter legitimate tourism, business travel, and family visits, especially given that bond payment does not guarantee visa approval.
In Nigerian American and Nigerian diaspora communities, reactions have been sharply negative. Many describe the policy as prohibitively expensive and discriminatory, arguing it effectively prices out middle-class visitors and undermines people-to-people ties between the U.S. and Nigeria. Conversations on social platforms reflect frustration, with some Nigerian Americans calling the requirement humiliating and likening it to paying bail because of their nationality. Other travelers worry about the financial risk of losing funds if plans change or if they unintentionally overstay. (Social reactions sourced from public forum discussions on the policy.)
Policy defenders within U.S. government circles frame the bonds as a security measure to ensure compliance with immigration laws. But diaspora community advocates say the move will strain economic, cultural, and family connections — prompting calls for diplomatic engagement and reconsideration of the bond thresholds.