A newly signed legislative package by former President Donald Trump is drawing attention—not only for its high-profile tax changes, but also for a new visa-related fee that experts say may significantly impact the U.S. tourism industry.
Nicknamed the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” the sweeping legislation includes no federal taxes on tips, expanded child tax credits, reductions in certain health program costs, and temporary tax breaks for older Americans. However, a lesser-known provision—called the visa integrity fee—is beginning to raise questions.
Hidden Fee Raises Tourism Concerns
While the bill has been praised by supporters for supporting working families and reforming parts of the tax code, travel and economic analysts warn that the added visa cost could affect international visitation to the U.S.—a sector already under strain.
According to Oxford Economics, foreign visitor spending in the U.S. is expected to fall by $8.5 billion in 2025, citing changing global perceptions related to travel and immigration. The World Travel & Tourism Council projects an even sharper potential drop—an estimated $12.5 billion decline—which could have ripple effects on local economies and travel-related businesses across the country.
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