Timely Departure Act

This bill, known as the Timely Departure Act , mandates that most aliens seeking admission to the United States as nonimmigrants must pay a bond or cash payment. This payment, which can range from $5,000 to $50,000 , is intended to help ensure that the alien departs the U.S. before their authorized period of stay expires. Certain nonimmigrants, such as those on specific diplomatic or victim-related visas, and nationals of visa waiver program countries, are exempt from this requirement. Should a nonimmigrant who has paid a bond or cash payment fail to depart the United States by the expiration of their authorized stay, the payment will be automatically and nonappealably forfeited . These forfeited funds will be deposited into an "Immigration Detention and Enforcement Account" to fund alien detention facilities and international transportation for removals. Furthermore, such an alien will be promptly removed from the United States and rendered ineligible for any lawful immigration status or adjustment of status for a period of not less than 4 years and not more than 12 years . The bill also imposes a strict deadline for nonimmigrants seeking asylum or withholding of removal, requiring them to submit their applications before their authorized period of stay expires. Failure to do so will result in ineligibility to submit such an application after that date. The Secretary of Homeland Security's authority to issue regulations is limited to collection, notification of overstays, and prevention of circumvention, with a prohibition on waiving any requirements of this section.