Summary
People visiting the U.S. from countries not in the visa waiver program will soon have to pay an extra $250 fee on top of their regular visa fees. This new charge, called the "visa integrity fee," is meant to be refunded if visitors follow all the visa laws, but it's unclear how refunds will be processed and proven.
Key Facts
- A new $250 visa integrity fee will be added for visitors needing a visa to enter the U.S.
- This fee does not apply to travelers from countries in the visa waiver program.
- Families from countries like Mexico, India, China, Brazil, and African nations will pay more due to this fee.
- A family of four would have to pay an extra $1,000 because of this fee.
- The fee is intended to be refunded if visitors adhere to visa rules.
- There is uncertainty about how visitors will show compliance to get their refund.
- PBS News discussed this topic with an expert from an immigration law firm.
