The United States is preparing to introduce a new tourist fee, which will be part of a comprehensive immigration bill passed on July 4th. The financial initiative provides for collecting a $250 fee, officially called a "visa integrity fee".

The main goal of this financial instrument is to ensure that foreign visitors strictly adhere to the conditions of their tourist visas. The mechanism provides for the possibility of returning the fee if immigration rules are fully observed.

The introduction of such a fee causes serious concern in the hotel and tourism industry. Experts warn that such a financial barrier may cause a significant outflow of foreign tourists, which will further worsen the already tense situation in the sector.

The current immigration policy of the administration is characterized by an extremely restrictive approach to foreigners. The United States is among the few countries forecast to see a decline in tourist flow this year.

The new fee represents an attempt to directly control the duration of stay for foreign citizens. Tourists will be financially incentivized to leave US territory immediately after their visas expire, with the risk of non-compliance being sanctioned by withholding the fee.

Despite the criticism, government circles insist that the measure is necessary to ensure national security and prevent unregulated immigration. The financial mechanism aims to create an additional preventive control instrument.

The tourism industry has already expressed serious concerns about potential economic consequences. The introduction of such a fee could jeopardize thousands of jobs in tourism and hospitality.

The new regulation is expected to come into force in the short term, with the exact date not yet officially announced. Tourist agencies and foreign citizens are called upon to carefully monitor additional information regarding the implementation of the fee.