TRUMP’S $5M Citizenship Plan STUNS Critics

President Trump’s new $1,000 expedited visa interview fee could revolutionize the immigration system while raising serious legal questions about the government’s authority to charge premium prices for basic services.

Key Takeaways

• The Trump administration plans to implement a $1,000 expedited processing fee for non-immigrant visa interviews, on top of the existing $185 fee.
• State Department legal experts have raised concerns about the fee’s legality, noting it could violate Supreme Court precedent if it exceeds the actual cost of service.
• A broader “gold card” program offering citizenship for $5 million is also under consideration as part of Trump’s immigration reform strategy.
• The expedited visa program could be piloted as early as December, potentially impacting millions of visa applicants.
• International travel spending in the US is projected to decline by about 7% in 2025 due to immigration policy changes and other factors.

Premium Visa Processing Raises Legal Questions

The Trump administration is moving forward with a bold initiative to implement a $1,000 expedited processing fee for non-immigrant visa interviews. This fee would be in addition to the $185 processing fee that applicants already pay, bringing the total cost to $1,185 for those seeking faster service. The program could begin as early as December, creating a two-tiered system that allows wealthier applicants to bypass potentially lengthy visa interview wait times that have plagued the system for years. The proposal represents a significant shift in how the United States handles visa applications, prioritizing efficiency for those willing to pay.

However, the plan has encountered internal resistance from the State Department’s legal team. According to an internal memo, the premium fee could face rejection by the White House budget office or U.S. courts if it significantly exceeds the actual cost of providing expedited service. Supreme Court precedent suggests government fees should be commensurate with the service provided rather than serving primarily as revenue-generating mechanisms. This fundamental tension between service improvement and legal constraints highlights the complex challenges facing the administration’s immigration reform efforts.

“Gold Card” Citizenship Program Under Consideration

Beyond the expedited visa interview fee, President Trump is exploring an ambitious “gold card” program that would offer U.S. citizenship to wealthy individuals for a $5 million investment. This program would represent a dramatic expansion of the concept that wealth and economic contribution should be key factors in determining immigration status. While details remain limited, the initiative appears to be part of a broader strategy to attract high-net-worth individuals who can make substantial economic contributions to the United States while simultaneously generating revenue for government operations.

“The department’s scheduling of non-immigrant visa interview appointments is dynamic and we are continually working to improve our operations worldwide,” said a State Department spokesperson.

The gold card program represents a significant departure from traditional pathways to citizenship, which typically require extended residency periods and various other qualifications. Critics may view this as creating an explicit “citizenship for sale” program, while supporters see it as a pragmatic approach that recognizes the value high-net-worth individuals bring to the American economy. The proposal aligns with the administration’s emphasis on merit-based immigration and prioritizing applicants who can contribute financially to the country.

Potential Economic Impact on Tourism and Travel

The Trump administration’s immigration policy changes are expected to have significant economic implications. In fiscal year 2023, the State Department issued 10.4 million non-immigrant visas, including 5.9 million tourist visas, highlighting the substantial number of individuals who could be affected by these changes. Economic analysts project that international travel spending in the United States could decline by approximately 7% in 2025, partly due to opposition to Trump’s immigration policies and the strengthening dollar, which makes U.S. travel more expensive for foreign visitors.

“The Trump administration is considering a $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.”

Since taking office, President Trump has increased scrutiny on various visa categories, including revoking some student visas and implementing stricter vetting procedures across the board. These changes reflect the administration’s commitment to putting American interests first and ensuring that those entering the country are thoroughly vetted. While these measures enhance national security, they also create additional barriers for legitimate travelers, potentially reducing tourism revenue in key destination states that depend heavily on international visitors.