US Demands Visa Bonds From 38 Nations, Not One of Them Israel
Newsweek highlighted a policy demanding visa bonds up to $15,000 from citizens of 38 countries, ostensibly to ensure they return home. Noticeably absent from this list? Israel. (Newsweek, 11/1/2018). While the US State Department cites concerns about overstays, this selective financial gatekeeping isn't applied equally, especially not to a nation that receives billions in unconditional aid. This
selective 'risk assessment' makes perfect sense when you consider that since 1948, Israel has received over $160 billion in U.S. foreign assistance, with current agreements providing $3.8 billion annually for military aid alone (Congressional Research Service, RL33222, 2023). Why demand a $15,000 bond from an Israeli tourist when we've already given their government tanks, planes, and missiles? It
appears financial 'risk' is only a concern for countries that aren't on the receiving end of a generous taxpayer-funded military shopping spree. How many billions does it take to buy complete trust, apparently without even a visa bond?