Reselling green cards is not enough, Trump plans to launch "expedited tourist visa" service, allowing people to jump the queue for $1,000

Can $1,000 buy "American Speed"?

On the 5th, according to an internal memo obtained by the media from the U.S. State Department, the Trump administration is considering charging a $1,000 "expedited interview fee" for tourist visa applicants, which would allow some applicants to "cut in line" during the visa interview.

Currently, tourists entering the U.S. and other non-immigrant visa applicants are required to pay a processing fee of $185, and the new $1,000 option will be launched as a premium service. The memo indicates that the program could start as a pilot as early as December.

Clearly, Trump is not satisfied with the 5 million dollar "gold card" citizenship plan proposed in February this year. According to previous reports from CCTV News, Trump believes the federal government could sell 10 million "gold cards" to reduce the deficit.

A report from the World Travel and Tourism Council in May indicated that due to opposition to Trump's policies and a strong dollar prompting foreign tourists to choose other destinations, U.S. international tourism spending is expected to decline by about 7% by 2025. The new $1,000 expedited fee may further suppress demand for travel to the U.S.

Trump is brewing a $1,000 visa expedited fee, but legal risks abound

Since taking office on January 20, Trump has adopted an aggressive tightening policy on immigration, including revoking some student visas and increasing scrutiny of all visa applicants. In this context, the proposal for a $1,000 expedited fee is particularly striking—it reflects the policy direction of tightening control while attempting to create new revenue sources through commercialization.

However, the State Department's legal team explicitly warned in the internal memo that the plan faces "high risks" and may be rejected by the White House Office of Management and Budget or overturned in U.S. courts.

The memo pointed out that setting fees that exceed service costs "contradicts established precedents of the Supreme Court."

A State Department spokesperson declined to comment on the internal document, stating only that "the scheduling of non-immigrant visa interview appointments at the State Department is dynamic, and we are continuously committed to improving global business operations."

According to the State Department's latest annual report, the department issued a total of 10.4 million non-immigrant visas in fiscal year 2023, including 5.9 million tourist visas.

Is a $5 million "American Green Card" not enough?

It is worth noting that this proposal is strikingly similar to the 5 million dollar "gold card" citizenship plan proposed by Trump in February this year.

According to Xinhua News Agency, U.S. President Trump stated on February 25 in the Oval Office that he would open a new path for foreigners who invest at least $5 million (approximately 36 million RMB) in the country to obtain residency and ultimately citizenship Wall Street Watch previously mentioned that the highlights of the "Gold Card" mainly include:

• Available for both individuals and businesses
• Enjoy the same rights and benefits as a Green Card
• Expected to sell 1 million cards
• Directly fills the government's financial gap

Trump stated that purchasing the "Gold Card" is a pathway to citizenship. He also mentioned that he does not believe the administration needs to obtain approval from the U.S. Congress for this.

CCTV News reported that Trump believes the federal government can sell 10 million "Gold Cards" to reduce the deficit.