The US State Department says that some visa applicants will soon be required to pay bonds of up to $15,000 to discourage visa overstays as part of President Donald Trump‘s crackdown on migration.

Starting later this month, the pilot program will require applicants from certain countries to pay a sum of “no less than $5,000” as collateral for the issuance of their visa.

The funds will be returned if the applicant complies with all visa terms. If the applicant remains in the United States past the deadline, the funds will be forfeited.

“Consular officers may require covered nonimmigrant visa applicants to post a bond of up to $15,000 as a condition of visa issuance,” the agency said in a notice to be published Tuesday in the US Federal Register.

The 12-month program would only affect foreign nationals from countries considered to have “high visa overstay rates” based on a 2023 Department of Homeland Security report, the notice said.

• Ex-servicemen protest at the Ministry of Finance Office, Abuja, August 5,2025

ABUJA—A group of retired soldiers shut down the Federal Ministry of Finance, Abuja, yesterday, while protesting the non-payment of their gratuity, Security Debarment Allowance, SDA, and other entitlements.

The Vanguard reported that the angry protesters carried placards with messages such as: “We are 1st and 2nd Quarter Retirees of NA 2003. We are living heroes and deserve to be recognized and treated right—not celebrated as fallen heroes when we are no more,” and “We the voluntary discharged soldiers of 2024 demand full payment of our benefits, including shortfalls in gratuity, SDA, parking allowance and four months’ salary cuts.

The protest, which began at about 7 a.m., left ministry workers stranded for hours, as they were unable to access their offices as the aggrieved ex-servicemen, comprising men and women, demanded the immediate release of their outstanding allowances.

They claimed to be members of Voluntary Discharged Soldiers, who retired from the Nigerian Army in the first two quarters of 2024.

Men’s Mental Health Advocate and Founder of the Life After Abuse Foundation, Halima Layeni, announces the launch of her new book titled Dear Man: If You Carry The Weight, This Is Your Invitation, a timely, heart-stirring publication that boldly addresses the often-unspoken emotional and psychological struggles of men.

At a time when the mental health crisis among men continues to grow globally, Dear Man emerges as a deeply necessary resource that offers insight, empathy, and a call to healing.

The book invites men into a brave space of reflection and unlearning where emotional honesty is not only allowed but affirmed.

Structured in three parts; The Weight of Expectations, The Inner Battles, and The Healing Journey, Dear Man is not just a book; it is a movement.

With compelling narratives, practical reflections, and hope-filled affirmations, it challenges harmful societal norms, confronts silence, and calls for a future where men are empowered to feel, heal, and thrive.

“This book was born from years of witnessing the silent suffering of men in communities, in therapy sessions, and on the streets.

Dear Man is my heartfelt letter to them.

A reminder that they are seen, heard, and worthy of emotional freedom,” said Halima Layeni, Author and Executive Director of Life After Abuse Foundation.

Dear Man is suitable for men of all ages, professionals working in mental health, educators, faith leaders, partners, parents, and anyone passionate about promoting emotional well-being among men and boys.

The book is now available for order on Selar: https://selar.com/dear-man

About the Author: Halima Layeni is a passionate men’s mental health advocate, trauma healing facilitator, and founder of the Life After Abuse Foundation.

Through her work, she has supported over 10,000 boys and men across Africa with psychosocial support, advocacy, and education.

She has received several awards for her commitment to reshaping the narrative around masculinity, mental health, and gender equity.

For media inquiries, please contact: halimalayeni@gmail.com