LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Democratic Nevada Sen. Jacky Rosen is warning {that a} new financial requirement for worldwide vacationers may decimate Las Vegas’ tourism business.
Starting Aug. 20, the U.S. State Division will cost vacationers who apply for sure visas a bond of as much as $15,000, Tammy Bruce, the division’s spokeswoman, mentioned Wednesday. The Visa Bond Pilot Program will begin with the African nations of Malawi and Zambia.
“This targeted, common-sense measure reinforces the administration’s commitment to U.S. immigration law while deterring visa overstays,” Bruce mentioned.
One in eight guests to Las Vegas final 12 months was a world vacationer, in accordance with the Las Vegas Conference and Customer Authority (LVCVA).
A B-1 visa is for an individual who desires to remain in america for enterprise for as much as six months; a B2 visa is for a vacationer for a similar period of time. Not all guests to america want a visa, and a number of other nations take part in a waiver program.
In 2023, the federal authorities estimated 1.5% of nonimmigrants — or about 565,000 — who visited america overstayed their visas.
In June, visitation to Las Vegas dropped 11.3% in comparison with June of 2024, in accordance with LVCVA. A separate report from Harry Reid Worldwide Airport confirmed passenger counts plunged by 6.3% the identical month.
LVCVA leaders blame “persistent economic uncertainty” and declining Canadian curiosity in visiting america as causes.
Rosen despatched a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging him to droop the visa pilot program.
“Las Vegas has already experienced more than a seven percent decrease in tourism through June of 2025 compared to the first six months of the previous year, and the Visa Bond Pilot Program will only further deter visitors,” Rosen wrote within the letter. “This restriction will not only reduce the volume of inbound visitors, but will also disrupt the steady flow of tourism-related revenue that supports countless American-owned small businesses, hotels, restaurants, and attractions.”
Rosen added the bottom quantity an individual may must pay earlier than their journey to america is $5,000. The cash could be returned to the visa holder ought to they adjust to all guidelines and phrases, the division mentioned.
The pilot program will expire in August 2026, per federal regulation.
In 2023, 1.4 million Canadians visited Las Vegas, in accordance with the LVCVA. That accounts for about 30% of all worldwide tourism to the valley. The projected decline in Canadian tourism to the U.S. may imply greater than $4 billion in losses to the financial system, the U.S. Journey Affiliation (USTA) estimated earlier this 12 months.
A ten% discount in journey may put 140,000 hospitality and retail jobs in jeopardy, in accordance with USTA metrics.
