The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing the introduction of a fast-track visa processing service for non-immigrants, including international tourists.

The proposed cost for this expedited service is set at US$1,000, which is approximately Rp 16.25 million at an exchange rate of Rp 16,258 per U.S. dollar, as revealed in an internal memo from the U.S. State Department obtained by Reuters.

According to Reuters, the memo outlines that foreign nationals seeking to enter the U.S. under tourist visas or other non-immigrant categories may soon be able to opt for a premium service that provides immediate or priority interviews without having to wait in line, provided they pay a US$1,000 fee.

“Currently, individuals applying for tourist or other non-immigrant visas pay a standard processing fee of US$185. The newly proposed US$1,000 option would represent a premium-level service,” Reuters reported on Monday (June 9, 2025).

The initiative is intended to launch in December 2025 as part of a pilot program.

However, legal advisors within the State Department have flagged a “high risk” that the US$1,000 visa plan could face rejection from the White House Office of Management and Budget or be invalidated in U.S. courts.

They argue that setting fees above basic processing costs for such services may violate legal precedent established by the U.S. Supreme Court.

A spokesperson from the State Department stated that the department does not comment on internal documents or communications.

“The scheduling of non-immigrant visa interviews is dynamic, and we are continually working to improve our operational services globally,” said the spokesperson, who declined to be named.

The visa fee proposal coincides with President Trump’s broader “Golden Card” vision, a program that would offer a fast path to U.S. citizenship for a price of US$5 million.

Through the Golden Card, Trump promises faster access for those willing and able to pay the premium price.

Since taking office on January 20, Trump has taken an aggressive stance on immigration, including revoking certain student visas and tightening oversight of all visa applicants.

According to the State Department’s latest annual report, the U.S. issued 10.4 million non-immigrant visas in fiscal year 2023, of which 5.9 million were tourist visas.

Meanwhile, the World Travel and Tourism Council predicted in May that international travel spending in the U.S. could decline by around 7% in 2025, citing pushback against Trump’s immigration policies and a strong dollar as key reasons why foreign travelers may choose other destinations.