The United States has issued a fresh warning to visa applicants over the use of fraudulent documents, cautioning that those found presenting fake information could face serious consequences, including being barred from entering the country.

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The warning comes as the administration of President Donald Trump moves to tighten visa and immigration rules for foreigners seeking to enter the United States, with consular officials stepping up scrutiny of applications.

The Department of State's Consular Affairs said on Wednesday, August 12, that visa applicants should ensure that all documents submitted during the application process are genuine, warning that fraudulent paperwork can immediately trigger further action by U.S. authorities.

“When consular officers detect fraudulent documents in a visa application or uncover information suggesting an individual may be a potential threat, we immediately alert all appropriate U.S. government agencies,” the department said.

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“We are coordinating to protect national security and keep criminals and bad actors out,” it added.

The warning comes against the backdrop of plans by the Trump administration to introduce stricter financial requirements for some visitors seeking business and tourism visas, including a proposal to raise the maximum visa bond to Ksh2.59 million ($20,000).

A draft notice published in the Federal Register in July showed that the maximum bond would rise from the current Ksh1.94 million ($15,000) under a pilot programme that has allowed U.S. consular officers to impose bonds on selected applicants .

The proposed requirement targets applicants for B1 and B2 visas, which are issued to people travelling to the U.S. for business and tourism purposes. More than 30 African countries, including Uganda and Tanzania, are expected to be covered by the programme, while Kenya is not currently on the list.

Under the proposal, consular officers would have discretion to require eligible applicants to post a bond of up to Ksh2.59 million ($20,000) before their visas are issued.

The U.S. government has, however, clarified that the bond would not be a visa fee and would be refundable if an application is denied or, where a visa is granted, if the traveller complies with the visa conditions and leaves the U.S. before the visa expires.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke