Travelers should expect more hurdles.
The recently enacted Big Beautiful Bill has faced opposition since its inception. Signed into law this month, the legislation has far-reaching effects on Americans and includes provisions that will make the United States more expensive and less accessible for immigrants. From increased visa fees to added financial hurdles for asylum seekers, the bill’s consequences will reach people beyond U.S. borders, as well.
President Donald Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” into law on July 4 after it passed both the Senate and the House. The nearly 1,000-page document is a significant piece of legislation, with major details emerging through media reports—including that 12 million people risk losing health coverage and as many as 23 million families will lose all or part of their SNAP benefits.
One of the bill’s largest elements is the allocation of $170 billion to fund the administration’s anti-immigration policies. The bill provides $45 billion for immigration detention centers, $30 billion to hire additional ICE personnel and maintain their equipment and facilities, and $46.5 billion for the border wall, among other efforts. This will ramp up the administration’s detention and deportation efforts.
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Experts warn that the bill could increase the federal deficit to $3.3 trillion over the next 10 years. Immigrants—and travelers—will shoulder some of the cost of these tax cuts and federal spending.
Related: There’s One Way Travelers Can Escape Trump’s Tariffs
Cost to Foreigners
Travelers who require an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) will now pay double for their application. Currently, those from countries in the Visa Waiver Program pay $21 for ESTA; this fee will rise to $40. ESTA is valid for two years for a 90-day stay, and many European countries participate in the program.
For those who require a visa, costs will increase significantly. In addition to the visa fee ($185), the Department of Homeland Security will require a $250 visa integrity fee for all non-immigrant visas. This amount may increase further. There are no waivers, so students, tourists, and business visitors will be required to pay. The fee may be refunded if individuals comply with all visa conditions, including not overstaying and not working during their visit. Otherwise, the fee will go to the Treasury. In another change for foreign visitors, President Trump also signed an executive order last week urging National Parks to raise entry fees for foreign nationals.
Additionally, asylum seekers face new financial obstacles. While the original version of the bill proposed a $1,000 application fee for asylum seekers, the final bill reduced it to $100—still a significant amount for humanitarian relief, according to experts. Individuals will be required to pay $100 for each year spent in the backlog and $550 per year to renew work permits. Notably, if an asylum application is denied, an appeal now costs $900, up from $110. Sending money abroad will also incur a 1% remittance tax, negatively impacting migrants who support families in their home countries.