The Donald Trump administration has made the process of obtaining a US visa even more difficult and expensive. This move is not only affecting Indian tourists but also Indian students studying in US universities. Due to the huge increase in visa fees and new bond rules, the dream of visiting the US has now become more expensive than ever. These policies are aimed at cracking down on illegal immigrants, but legitimate travelers and students are also facing the brunt of it. Let’s understand this entire change in detail.
Visa Fee Hike
From October 1, the Trump administration has decided to impose a new Visa Integrity Fee of $250 (approximately ₹22,000). After this fee, the total cost of a US visa can increase to $442 (approximately ₹40,000). This increase is a big setback for those who are planning to visit the US. This rule will apply specifically to travelers coming from countries like Mexico, Argentina, India, Brazil, and China.
In addition, according to the travel association, this additional fee will make the total cost of the visa one of the most expensive tourist fees in the world. This fee can further reduce the number of tourists visiting the US from countries like India. Already, there has been a decline of two and a half percent in the number of Indians visiting the US, and this new fee can increase this decline even more.
Trouble for students
Apart from tourists and business travelers, the Trump administration has also introduced a plan to deposit a bond of up to $15,000 for students, cultural exchange visitors, and media personnel. This is aimed at preventing those who stay in the US beyond the duration of their visa. This bond can also be imposed on tourist and business visa holders. This rule is proving to be a big financial burden for Indian students who dream of studying in American universities.
This year, the number of Indian students visiting the US has declined by 18 per cent. According to a report, about 20 per cent of the more than 100 colleges in the US enroll international students. This is estimated to decline by up to 40 per cent due to Trump’s policies. This decline is also having a bad effect on the college economy, and they may be unable to provide scholarships to needy and meritorious students.
Impact on the US economy
The policies of the Trump administration are not only affecting foreign travelers, but also the US tourism industry itself. According to US government data, the number of foreign travelers in July fell by 3.1 per cent annually, to 19.2 million. This was the fifth month this year that saw a decline.
Analysts believe that these policies will put further pressure on the US travel industry. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, fewer foreign travelers arriving will affect revenue. The amount spent by foreign travelers is estimated at $169 billion this year, compared to $181 billion in 2024. Major events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are also likely to be affected by these policies.