Originally Posted by roardesert

Yes, there’s definitely growing concern about the new visa integrity fee, especially among frequent travelers and those planning trips to the U.S. The proposed fee is quite steep, and while it currently seems targeted more towards certain visa categories (like H-1B or student visas), it’s still unclear how broadly it will be applied.

As of now, it doesn't apply to ESTA travelers under the Visa Waiver Program — but with rising administrative costs and political shifts, that could always change in the future.

For tourists or business travelers who rely on short-term visits, any increase like this could discourage travel — and indirectly impact the U.S. tourism economy too.

Let’s hope the final implementation keeps balance between security and accessibility.