Nearly half of covered applicants declined to pay, resulting in an 83% drop in business and tourist visas issued to affected nationals.
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The department expects the final rule to contribute to the continued reduction of demand for B1/B2 visa applications from nationals of countries subject to the program.
A State Department official lauded the metric shifts, describing the financial requirement as an effective mechanism for enforcing immigration law adherence among foreign visitors.
The official noted that entry permission remains conditional, and the federal government intends to screen out travelers who do not plan to abide by departure dates.
“As Secretary Rubio has repeatedly made clear, a U. S.
visa is a privilege, not a right,” the official said. “Foreign nationals who do not intend to comply with U.
S.
law, including leaving the United States when their authorized period of stay expires, should not apply for a visa.”
Immigration attorneys and industry analysts warned that heightened financial barriers would further exacerbate tourism declines. U.
S.
tourism dropped 5.5% in 2025, resulting in an estimated $16.6 billion loss to the national economy.
Caroline Tang, an immigration shareholder with Ogletree Deakins, noted that while compliant travelers receive full refunds, raising thousands of dollars in upfront capital creates severe friction for legitimate business travelers and visitors.
“This will continue to decrease the amount of travelers coming to the US,” she said.
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Official updates regarding additional country additions to the program will be announced no fewer than 15 days prior to implementation.
