US EditionPay $1,000 to Skip US Visa Line? Trump Administration Plans Fast-Track Tourist, Other Short Visa Interviews
- The Trump administration is considering implementing a $1,000 premium charge that would allow tourists and other non-immigrant visa seekers to receive expedited scheduling for their visa interviews.
- Following a policy change in 2023 that increased visa scrutiny, the U.S. State Department processed a total of 10.4 million non-immigrant visas that year, of which 5.9 million were issued for tourism purposes.
- The premium fee would be in addition to the existing $185 processing charge and aims to monetize U.S. Entry by allowing wealthier travelers priority access.
- State Department legal memos describe a "high risk" the fee could violate Supreme Court precedent by exceeding service costs, raising potential legal challenges.
- A pilot program for this fee plan could launch by December and may help counterbalance an anticipated 7% drop in U.S. International travel spending in 2025, which is expected as a result of political divisions and a favorable exchange rate for the dollar.
30 Articles
30 Articles
America’s Velvet Rope: Trump’s $1,000 Visa Proposal Monetizes Nation’s Top-Destination Status
Donald Trump’s administration is moving to position the United States as the world’s most exclusive travel destination, treating entry as a premium experience akin to first class on an airline. According to an internal State Department memo, the administration plans to introduce a $1,000 “fast-track” fee for tourists and other non-immigrant visa applicants who want […]
Malay Mail
AlKhaleej TodayTrump’s pricey visa fast-pass: US$1,000 fee proposed to cut queues, but State Dept lawyers flag Supreme Court precedents
WASHINGTON, June 5 — The Trump administration is considering a US$1,000 fee for tourists and other non-immigrant visa applicants seeking an expedited interview appointment though government lawyers have raised legal red flags over the plan, according to a US official and an internal State Department memo. Individuals entering the US on tourist and other non-immigrant visas already pay a US$185 (RM785) processing fee. The new US$1,000 option the …
Barriers to entry, deleted visas for foreign students – and now perhaps noble visas for tourists. The US government seems to plan juicy fees for quick entry.
Pay $1,000 to skip US visa line? Trump administration plans fast-track tourist, other short visa interviews
The Trump administration is considering a $1,000 fee for expedited non-immigrant visa interviews, raising concerns about potential legal challenges. The proposal, part of gold card plan, could begin as early as December despite warnings from government lawyers about its legality.
'Who's running the show?' Questions as Trump disappears from public view
President Donald Trump reportedly has not been seen in public—at least on camera—since Sunday, a rare occurrence and one that has been noticed by many who are asking why, and want to know who is in charge. A White House memo released Wednesday filled with comments from Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen ...
The Trump administration analyzes the introduction of a $1,000 tax for tourists and other visa applicants who want to obtain an interview at the embassy as soon as possible according to an American official and an internal document...
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