Boston Judge Blocks Trump Visa Fee; State Department Launches New Expedited Service

A federal judge in Boston has blocked a $100,000 fee imposed on H-1B visas by the Trump administration. This decision, reported by Fox News correspondent David Spunt, deemed the fee an unconstitutional tax implemented without congressional consent. The ruling was discussed on ‘Special Report.’

In related developments, the State Department announced a new ‘premium’ expedited service for foreign business and tourist visa applicants. This new offering will allow applicants to secure interview appointments within 10 days at specific U.S. embassies and consulates for an additional fee of $750. This service, outlined in a notice to be published in the Federal Register this week, aims to start on July 1 and continue through December 31, with the possibility of extending beyond that date if demand remains high.

Applicants will pay the $750 ‘premium’ fee, in addition to the standard $185 visa application cost, to expedite their interview scheduling. The exact locations offering this service are set to be announced before the program’s July 1 launch.

This expedited service is expected to ease the prolonged waiting periods for visa interviews. These wait times have been exacerbated by modifications in visa screening and compliance procedures enacted during the Trump administration.

Furthermore, the federal government has introduced new visa screening measures. These include requirements for bonds up to $15,000 for applicants from countries with high visa overstay rates and mandates for disclosure of extensive personal history, including social media accounts.

Applicants should note that the expedited service fee does not guarantee visa approval. However, it offers a chance to reduce waiting times, particularly for those from countries not included in the Visa Waiver Program, where waits can extend to several months.