Group 1: Visa Policy Changes - The new visa fee of $250 will take effect on October 1, raising the total visa cost to approximately $450, an increase of over 135%, making it one of the highest in the world [2][4] - The additional "visa integrity fee" applies to various non-immigrant visa categories, including tourism, business, and study [2][4] - Recent tightening of visa policies includes a proposal to shorten visa durations for students and cultural exchange visitors, and a pilot program requiring up to $15,000 in security deposits for certain visa holders [4][5] Group 2: Impact on Tourism Industry - The tightening of visa policies is expected to reduce the number of international visitors to the U.S., which could significantly impact the tourism industry [5][9] - The U.S. tourism sector is projected to lose $12.5 billion due to the decrease in international visitors [9][10] - In July, the number of international visitors to the U.S. decreased by 3.1% year-on-year, marking the fifth consecutive month of decline [9] Group 3: Economic Implications - The reduction in international tourists is likely to negatively affect various economic sectors, including housing rentals, consumer spending, and investments [10][11] - Las Vegas saw an 8% decline in overall tourist numbers from January to July, with international visitors dropping by 13% [10] - The tourism industry's contribution to the U.S. GDP is around 2%-3%, which, while not high compared to other countries, still plays a crucial role in the overall economy [10][11] Group 4: Broader Effects on International Relations - The decline in tourism may hinder cultural and commercial exchanges between the U.S. and other countries, impacting diplomatic relations [11] - The tightening of immigration policies has led to staff shortages in hotels and restaurants, potentially degrading service quality [11]