FIRM Act of 2025

# FIRM Act of 2025 Summary **What the bill would do:** The FIRM Act would allow the U.S. State Department to charge higher visa fees to visitors from certain countries. The fee increases would be triggered if a country: refuses to accept its own citizens being deported from the U.S., is designated as a state sponsor of terrorism, or fails to meet standards for combating human trafficking. Countries meeting multiple criteria would face progressively higher fees. The State Department would review countries monthly and adjust fees accordingly. **Who it affects:** The bill would primarily impact citizens of countries that meet one or more of these criteria when they apply for temporary U.S.

visitor visas for business or tourism. U.S. visa applicants and permanent residents would not be affected—only temporary visitors from designated countries would face higher fees. **Current status:** The bill was introduced by Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.