Rosen, Ricketts Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Visa Processing Capacity, Support International Tourism

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced a bill to strengthen the State Department's visa processing capacity. The bipartisan Expanded Consular Fellow Act would authorize the State Department to hire Consular Fellows in limited non-career appointments for eight years - an increase from the current maximum of five years. The Consular Fellows Program recruits personnel to process visa applications for people to come to the United States for tourism, to study, or to work. Fellows also assist U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad and support efforts to address consular fraud. Extending the program's duration would allow the State Department to retain an experienced and highly trained workforce while reducing recruitment and training costs.

"The consular workforce plays a key role in sustaining America's travel economy by processing visa applications and making it easier for tourists to visit. With the FIFA World Cup just a week away, the Olympics in 2028, and several other major events coming to the U.S. in the coming years, it is critical that the State Department has the workforce necessary to match increasing tourism demands," said Senator Rosen. "I am proud to introduce my bipartisan Expanded Consular Fellows Act to expand this capacity, and I'll continue doing everything I can to support the country's tourism industry."

"Consular Fellows are a vital, first line of defense for America's national and economic security. They ensure the State Department can vigorously screen foreign travelers and stop fraud before it reaches our shores, while keeping our economy moving by enabling legitimate travel to the United States," said Senator Ricketts. "This bill would allow the State Department to extend limited non-career appointments that are essential for international travel, supporting Americans abroad, and ensuring those entering our country are doing it legally."

"International travel is a critical driver of the U.S. economy, and a strong consular workforce is essential to meeting global demand for travel to the United States," said Erik Hansen, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, U.S. Travel Association. "This proposal provides the State Department with a practical, cost-effective tool to retain experienced Consular Fellows who help reduce visa wait times, facilitate legitimate travel, strengthen national security and support U.S. citizens abroad. A more stable and experienced consular workforce will strengthen America's ability to welcome legitimate visitors, support economic growth and uphold the integrity of the visa process. We thank Senators Rosen and Ricketts for their leadership in advancing this important legislation."

"This bill puts forward a practical solution using existing resources to a challenge that is becoming more dire by the day for international exchange programs. This summer, BridgeUSA programs like Camp Counselor and Summer Work Travel have seen significant challenges in getting interviews due to bandwidth constraints and heavier workloads in Consular offices worldwide," said Mark Overmann, Executive Director, Alliance for International Exchange. "These programs bring significant economic boost to communities where participants are and also fill gaps in the U.S. labor market that would otherwise go unfilled. This bill provides a workable way to give consular offices the support they need to ensure J-visa applicants get timely appointments."

Senator Rosen has fought to protect America's tourism industry. She recently led Senate Democrats in demanding that the Trump Administration reverse a rule authorizing the State Department to conduct social media screenings of visitors because of concerns that it will harm international tourism. This year, Senator Rosen also called for a Senate hearing to examine the state of the American tourism industry following a year of Trump's reckless economic and immigration policies. Additionally, Senator Rosen introduced the bipartisan American Decade of Sports Act, which aims to boost tourism to the U.S. through major sporting events, such as the World Cup.

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