The Trump administration is contemplating charging tourists and other non-immigrants applying for expedited interviews a fee of $1,000. However, government attorneys have identified potential legal issues with this proposal, as stated by a U.S. official and revealed in an internal State Department memorandum.
People who enter the United States—the biggest economic power globally—on tourist and similar temporary visas currently pay a $185 application fee. The country is contemplating an additional $1,000 choice that would provide certain individuals with expedited access to visa interview appointments.
The initiative might debut in pilot format as early as December, according to the memorandum reviewed. Reuters said.
The suggested charge for visa appointments, details of which have not been previously disclosed, accompanies President Donald Trump’s concept of a “gold card.” This initiative proposes selling U.S. citizenship for $5 million, offering quicker entry to individuals who are prepared to make such payments.
However, the State Department’s legal advisors noted that there was a significant chance it could be dismissed by the White House budget office or overturned in U.S. courts, according to the document. Charging more than what it costs to deliver the service goes against established rulings from the Supreme Court, as stated in the memorandum.
A representative from the State Department stated that they do not provide comments on internal documents and communications.
"The department dynamically manages non-immigrant visa interview appointments, and we continuously strive to enhance our global operations," stated the spokesperson.
Since assuming power on January 20, Trump has implemented stringent measures against immigration, which includes canceling certain student visas and intensifying oversight of every visa applicant.
The State Department granted 10.4 million non-immigrant visas during the 2023 fiscal year, with 5.9 million of those being tourist visas, as stated in their latest annual report from the agency.
The World Travel and Tourism Council forecasted in May that international travel expenditure within the U.S. would likely decrease around 7% in 2025 due to resistance against Trump’s policies and a robust dollar, which may lead travelers from abroad to choose alternative locations instead.
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