The U.S. government is contemplating a $1,000 charge for tourists and other non-immigrant visa seekers looking for expedited visa interviews.
Nonetheless, attorneys have cautioned that this strategy may encounter legal hurdles, according to a U.S. official and a confidential memo from the State Department, as reported by VisaGuide.World.
Currently, individuals arriving in the U.S. on tourist and various non-immigrant visas are required to pay a processing fee of $185.
The United States is exploring a novel $1,000 option that would allow certain individuals to accelerate their visa interview process through payment.
As per a Reuters report, this initiative is expected to enter a pilot phase by December of this year.
However, legal representatives from the State Department mentioned that the plan could face opposition from the White House budget office or the U.S. judiciary. Charging a fee that exceeds the current service cost contradicts the Supreme Court's guidelines, according to the memo reviewed by Reuters.
A spokesperson from the State Department informed Reuters that the organization typically refrains from commenting on internal communications and documents.
The scheduling of non-immigrant visa interview appointments by the department is adaptable, and we are consistently striving to enhance our global operations.
7% Decrease in Global Travel Expenditure This Year, WTTC Indicates
A recent analysis from the World Travel and Tourism Council indicates that international expenditure in the U.S. is projected to drop by seven percent this year, equating to $12.5 billion.
Julia Simpson, the head of the World Travel and Tourism Council, stated that foreign visitors are shunning trips to the U.S. due to unpopular policies of President Donald Trump, concerns about border detentions, and unfavorable exchange rates.
Among 184 nations, the U.S. is the sole country witnessing an outright decline in spending by international tourists. The U.S. is indeed losing its position of prominence in this regard.
Simpson remarked that the United States holds the title of the largest travel and tourism economy globally. Nevertheless, she forecasted that international travel is set to fall below $169 billion this year, down from the $181 billion recorded in 2024.
Since January 20, Trump has markedly tightened immigration regulations, including measures to revoke specific student visas and enforcing stricter visa prerequisites.
Under the Trump administration, international travelers aged 14 and above are mandated to register and provide fingerprints if they remain in the United States for over 30 days.
Fonte: Visa Guide World
