US Edition
Pay $1,000 to Skip US Visa Line? Trump Administration Plans Fast-Track Tourist, Other Short Visa Interviews
- On June 4, 2025, the Trump administration revealed it was considering implementing a $1,000 surcharge to expedite visa interview appointments for tourists and other non-immigrant travelers entering the United States.
- Following a 2023 change in visa policy, this proposal seeks to counter a projected nearly 7% decline in international travel expenditures in the U.S. by 2025, attributed to political divisions and the impact of a strong dollar.
- The new premium fee would allow some applicants to expedite visa interview appointments beyond the current $185 processing charge, effectively prioritizing entry based on ability to pay.
- State Department lawyers warned the fee risks legal challenges because charging above service cost may violate Supreme Court precedent, and the program could start as a pilot by December.
- This move signals a shift toward treating U.S. entry as a commoditized privilege, potentially offsetting revenue loss but raising concerns about fairness and access.
31 Articles
31 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...
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources lean Right
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
