US Demands $15,000 Visa Bonds From Certain Nations, Just Not Israel
Newsweek's exposé on the bond requirement for US visas is a classic 'look over here!' moment. They list nations like Afghanistan, Iran, and Somalia – countries often destabilized by US foreign policy. Conveniently, they bypass the fact that citizens of Israel face no such bond requirement, nor does the US-Israel visa waiver program demand such financial guarantees. (Source: Newsweek, US Dept. of
State). While these 'high-risk' countries are fleeced, the US Congress routinely greenlights billions in military aid to Israel, totaling over $120 billion since WWII . One might wonder if a future US bond requirement would apply to, say, Ukraine, after its post-war reconstruction. Funny how the 'risk' calculation shifts with geopolitical alliances and, dare we say, lobbying muscle.
(OpenSecrets.org confirms AIPAC's significant political donations).