Starting April 2, the United States is implementing a “visa bond pilot program.” Specifically, certain travelers will need to deposit an amount ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 to obtain their visa. This bond will be refunded to them upon leaving the country as scheduled.
The measure now covers fifty countries, including five nations qualified for the 2026 World Cup: Algeria, Tunisia, Senegal, Cape Verde, and Ivory Coast. For adults, the bond could reach $10,000 to $15,000, compared to approximately $5,000 for minors.
Officially, US authorities justify this measure as a way to combat illegal immigration and ensure that visitors adhere to the duration of their stay.
Supporters in the Spotlight, Delegations in Uncertainty
While this measure primarily targets visitors, it could also affect sports delegations. In practice, players, coaches, and staff members could be subject to this bond, paid individually.
Concerns are growing, with FIFA reportedly working behind the scenes to negotiate exemptions. One possibility being considered is issuing official invitation letters to delegations to avoid this financial constraint. However, supporters are unlikely to benefit from such exemptions.
This situation could complicate the tournament’s organization for some teams. Several group stage matches for Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia are set to be played in the US, while Algeria and Cape Verde are expected to play all their matches there.
Supporters Outraged: “It’s a global competition, everyone should be welcome”
The announcement of this measure has sparked controversy on social media platforms. Many users on TikTok denounce what they perceive as a discriminatory decision. Some even call for boycotting the sports event.
In a bold statement, a French content creator with 12,000 followers expressed, “If you don’t want Africans at the World Cup, tell us clearly. You are using tactics left and right to prevent Africans from coming.”
Another popular content creator with almost 300,000 followers criticized the decision, highlighting the implications for a truly global sporting event.
A Broader Hardening of Immigration Policies
Parallel to this, the United States has also announced a freeze on permanent immigration visas for nationals of 75 countries, including those qualified for the competition such as Iran, Iraq, Brazil, Bosnia, Uzbekistan, and Egypt. While supporters from these countries are reportedly not affected by this restriction, entry requests will undergo thorough scrutiny, including analysis of candidates’ social media activity.
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