00:00In other news, a new United States government policy takes effect on Monday,
00:04requiring some travelers from nearly 50 countries to pay a refundable bond of up to $20,000
00:09when applying for a business or tourist visa.
00:12The measure expands immigration control introduced under President Donald Trump
00:16and applies mainly to applicants from several African nations,
00:20as well as Cuba, Grenada, Nicaragua and Venezuela, in Latin America and the Caribbean.
00:25Under the new rules, the United States consular officers will have the discretion to set bonds' amount of $10,000,
00:33$15,000 or $20,000.
00:36Applicants who comply with the terms of their visa and leave the United States on time will receive a full
00:43refund.
00:43According to official documents, a pilot program reduced the number of tourist and business visas issued to affected nationalities by
00:5283%.
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