WASHINGTON: The United States government has reaffirmed its commitment to stringent visa screening, warning foreign nationals that entry into the country is a privilege and not a right.

The Trump administration, under President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, says national security, public safety and the protection of American interests remain central to its visa policies.

The US Department of State told MDN News its embassies and consulates worldwide, including those in South Africa, were prioritising thorough vetting of every visa application.

“No visa is issued unless the applicant can credibly demonstrate that he or she meets all requirements under US law,” the department said.

The department also warned that visas could be revoked where there were indications of potential ineligibility, threats to public safety or other circumstances warranting such action.

Visa bonds of up to $20,000

As part of its immigration enforcement measures, the State Department has implemented a Visa Bonds Programme targeting nationals of designated countries.

Under the programme, applicants who are otherwise eligible for B-1/B-2 visitor visas may be required to post a bond of up to $20,000 before their visas are issued.

The department said the programme was intended to encourage compliance with US immigration laws, protect American citizens and safeguard taxpayer resources.

It said a 12-month pilot involving 5,000 travellers who were issued visas with bonds recorded a 98% compliance rate, with travellers returning to their home countries within their authorised periods of stay.

The department said it would continue monitoring visa overstay rates and reviewing the list of countries subject to the bond requirements.

African visa processing centralised

The US government has also realigned routine visa processing in sub-Saharan Africa to approximately 20 designated regional hubs.

The changes, effective from August 1, are aimed at strengthening screening procedures and aligning diplomatic resources with US national interests.

The designated processing centres include the US embassies in Cape Town and Johannesburg, as well as facilities in Accra, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Lagos, Kampala, Kigali, Luanda and other African cities.

Visa applicants are generally required to apply at the designated location serving nationals or residents of their respective countries.

Students face social media checks

The department further announced that student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M and J visa categories would undergo comprehensive vetting, including scrutiny of their online presence.

Applicants would be requested to set their social media profiles to “public” to facilitate assessments of their admissibility to the United States.

The department warned that foreign nationals who violate US laws could face visa refusal, revocation or deportation, including students.

US raises concerns over South African policies

The visa announcement comes amid diplomatic discussions between Washington and Pretoria.

According to the statement, US Ambassador to South Africa Christopher Landau Bozell held a frank discussion with International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola on areas of shared interest and policy differences between the two nations.

On issues of other African countries in utilising South Africa passports to access US Visa the State expressed its concerns and decline to respond on it, instead preferred the country to handle it.

The White house is more concerned with other policies.

The Trump administration expressed concerns over South African policies relating to equal opportunity, land expropriation without compensation and what it described as race-based incitement to violence.

The US Department of State urged applicants to consult travel.state.gov or the website of the relevant US embassy or consulate for the latest visa requirements, processing arrangements and policy updates.

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