Bangladesh, Oct. 13 -- In a striking act of diplomatic reciprocity, Mali has announced new visa bond requirements for American travelers, mirroring the same measures recently imposed by Washington on Malian citizens. The move marks the latest escalation in growing tensions between the United States and several African nations over what many view as discriminatory and punitive immigration policies.

The dispute centers on a controversial US visa bond program that requires applicants from certain countries to pay a refundable deposit-ranging from $5,000 to $15,000-before entering the United States. The US Department of State claims the measure is designed to curb visa overstays, particularly among nationals of countries with higher rates of...