India, Aug. 5 -- The State Department has recommended that applicants for business and tourist visas post a bond of up to $15,000 to enter the United States, potentially making the process unaffordable for many.

The department announced Tuesday that it would begin a 12-month pilot program in which applicants for visas from nations with high overstay rates and inadequate internal document security controls may be asked to post $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 in bonds. The notice will be published in the Federal Register.

Two State Department sources familiar with the cable told Politico that although the cost might reach $15,000 per person, consular officers will likely demand a $10,000 bond for adults and a $5,000 bond for children.

While ...