A recently surfaced internal State Department memo has revealed an unannounced proposal from the Trump administration that would have charged a $1,000 fee to expedite tourist visa and non-immigrant visa appointments. Although the plan has not been implemented yet, it highlights an effort to prioritize immigration benefits for those able to pay—and raises important questions about fairness, legality, and the future direction of U.S. immigration policy.
Inside the Proposal
The fast-track plan would have allowed applicants to pay a premium fee in exchange for quicker access to a U.S. consulate interview. The proposal was never publicly rolled out, but its discovery underscores a recurring theme in Trump-era immigration policy—favoring those who can pay.
Alongside this plan for visa fees, the memo also references Trump’s “gold card” proposal, which would have offered a pathway to U.S. citizenship for $5 million. In theory, this proposal would allow ultra-wealthy individuals to buy their way into the United States while bypassing many of the traditional requirements and wait times.
Legal Risks and Consequences
While the idea came off as lucrative and efficient to some policymakers, legal experts from the State Department quickly flagged major issues. They made clear that setting a fee beyond the actual cost of providing a service directly contradicts established Supreme Court precedent. There was also a high risk that the Office of Management and Budget would reject the plan, or that it could be struck down in federal court.
This underscores a fundamental principle in administrative law, fees collected by federal agencies must reflect the actual cost of services rendered. Any attempt to profit from these services not only undermines public trust but also risks violating the law.
Understanding Premium Processing
To better understand this $1,000 fast track fee, it helps to consider the existing Premium Processing program offered by USCIS. This service is available for certain employment-based immigration petitions and allows applicants to pay an additional fee (currently up to $2,805) for expedited processing within 15 to 45 calendar days. Unlike the proposed tourist visa fee, Premium Processing is grounded in a clear regulatory framework and is closely tied to the cost of providing faster adjudication. The fees collected support the agency’s operations and are not designed to profit or privilege applicants based on wealth.
Pay-to-Play Immigration Model
Beyond the legal concerns, this proposal signals a broader shift in immigration policy: moving away from traditional priorities such as employment-based pathways and humanitarian relief and instead driving toward a wealth-driven model. Creating premium access for the wealthy sends a troubling message which shows that U.S. immigration policy is less concerned with merit or need, and instead on financial capacity.
Moving Forward
Although this plan has not gone into full effect, it offers a cautionary tale about the direction some immigration proposals may take. As U.S. immigration policy continues to be debated, advocates and policymakers must remain vigilant to ensure that the system remains equitable, lawful, and accessible to all.
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