美國近日推出一項備受爭議的「簽證保證金試行計畫」，引發國際社會廣泛關注。根據美國《聯邦政府紀事》（Federal Register）於8月4日公布的預發布版本，這項政策由美國國務院提出，針對部分特定國家的申請人，在申請赴美的商務與觀光（B1/B2）簽證時，須繳納一筆高額保證金，金額最高可達1萬5千美元（約新台幣48萬元）。此舉被外界形容為「想去美國？先押錢！」的政策新門檻。

根據計畫內容，這項保證金制度將試行12個月，預計於8月5日正式公布，並於公布後15天正式生效。根據美國國務院說法，保證金分為三個層級，分別是5,000美元、10,000美元與15,000美元。實施對象將鎖定特定「高風險國家」的簽證申請人，特別是那些過去在美國有簽證逾期、非法停留等記錄的國家。

一旦申請人成功獲簽並入境美國，若在停留期間違反相關規定，例如超過核准停留天數、不按時離境或從事與簽證不符的活動，該筆保證金將遭沒收，無法退還。若申請人全程遵守規定並依期離境，保證金則可在離境後依程序退回。

美國媒體普遍認為，這項措施將對簽證申請造成巨大影響。對許多經濟條件有限的國家來說，數千至上萬美元的保證金是一筆沉重的負擔，勢必使部分申請人因無力繳交而放棄赴美計畫。除加劇簽證難度，也可能影響美國本地的觀光與商務活動，尤其是依賴外國旅客與商業往來的城市與產業，如拉斯維加斯、紐約等觀光城市，可能會面臨來客數下降的衝擊。

分析指出，這項政策背後，與川普政府自2020年以來日益嚴格的移民與簽證審查有關。今年6月4日，美國白宮以「維護國家安全」為由，發布行政命令，全面限制來自阿富汗、緬甸、伊朗、葉門等12個國家的公民入境，理由包括潛在的恐怖威脅、身份審查不足等。此次保證金政策被視為該系列政策的延伸與深化，進一步強化對「高風險國家」人員的控管。

儘管美國政府強調這是「短期試行計畫」，目的是提高簽證遵守率、減少非法滯留問題，但批評者認為此舉本質上是歧視性做法，將加劇美國與部分國家的外交緊張，並損害美國長期作為旅遊與投資友善國家的形象。人權團體與移民權益組織也警告，該政策可能進一步排擠弱勢族群，特別是那些希望前往美國探親、求醫或尋求庇護的人。

目前尚未公布具體實施對象國家的完整名單，但根據過去美國移民局的記錄，可能包括非洲、南亞與中東部分國家。各國政府與國際組織已開始密切關注此項政策的走向與後續發展。

The United States has recently introduced a highly controversial "Visa Bond Pilot Program," drawing widespread attention from the international community. According to a pre-release version published in the Federal Register on August 4, the policy was proposed by the U.S. Department of State and targets applicants from specific countries applying for U.S. business and tourism visas (B1/B2). These applicants will be required to pay a substantial security bond, with the amount reaching up to $15,000 USD (approximately NT$480,000). The measure has been described by critics as a new barrier to entry—"Want to go to the U.S.? Pay up first!"

According to the details of the program, this bond requirement will be implemented on a trial basis for 12 months. It is expected to be officially announced on August 5 and take effect 15 days after publication. The U.S. State Department states that the bond will fall into three tiers: $5,000, $10,000, and $15,000. The policy will be applied to applicants from so-called “high-risk countries,” particularly those whose nationals have a history of visa overstays or unlawful presence in the U.S.

If an applicant is granted a visa and enters the United States, but then violates immigration regulations—such as overstaying the permitted duration, failing to depart on time, or engaging in activities inconsistent with their visa—the bond will be forfeited and not refunded. Conversely, if the applicant complies with all visa conditions and departs the U.S. on time, the bond will be refunded through the appropriate procedures.

U.S. media widely believe that this measure will have a significant impact on visa applications. For many individuals from economically disadvantaged countries, paying thousands or even tens of thousands of U.S. dollars upfront is a heavy burden. As a result, some applicants may be forced to abandon their travel plans due to financial constraints. Beyond increasing the difficulty of obtaining a visa, the policy could also negatively affect local tourism and business sectors in the U.S.—especially in cities like Las Vegas and New York, which heavily depend on foreign visitors and international commerce.

Analysts note that this policy aligns with increasingly strict immigration and visa vetting practices implemented under the Trump administration since 2020. On June 4 of this year, the White House issued an executive order citing "national security" concerns, which imposed a blanket ban on citizens from 12 countries—including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Iran, and Yemen—from entering the United States. Reasons cited include potential terror threats and inadequate identity verification procedures. The new visa bond requirement is viewed as a continuation and expansion of these policies, further tightening control over travelers from "high-risk" nations.

Although the U.S. government emphasizes that this is a "short-term pilot program" aimed at improving visa compliance and reducing illegal overstays, critics argue that the measure is inherently discriminatory. They warn it could escalate diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and affected countries, while damaging America's long-standing image as a welcoming destination for tourists and investors. Human rights groups and immigrant advocacy organizations also caution that the policy could disproportionately harm vulnerable populations—particularly those seeking to visit family, receive medical treatment, or apply for asylum in the U.S.

As of now, a full list of countries subject to the policy has not been publicly disclosed. However, based on past immigration data, it is likely to include countries in Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East. Governments and international organizations around the world are closely monitoring developments and the potential implications of this policy.