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Tourism

Senator Jacky Rosen Urges Suspension of Visa Bond Pilot Program to Support Nevada's Tourism Industry

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen has expressed concern that the proposed Visa Bond Pilot Program could further harm the tourism industry in Nevada, which is already struggling due to President Trump's chaotic trade and immigration policies. The program, which imposes a substantial fee on international visitors seeking to obtain a business visitor or tourist visa, could deter visitors and disrupt the steady flow of tourism-related revenue that supports countless American-owned small businesses, hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Visa Bond Pilot Program could further harm Nevada's tourism industry, which has already experienced a 7% decrease in tourism through June 2025 compared to the previous year.
  • Senator Rosen has been a leader in working to support Nevada's travel and tourism industry, including her landmark Omnibus Travel and Tourism Act, which was signed into law at the end of 2022.
  • The program's implementation could disrupt the steady flow of tourism-related revenue that supports American-owned small businesses, hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
  • Major global events on the horizon, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, highlight the need for states to maximize tourism opportunities, not restrict them.
  • The tourism industry in Nevada is struggling due to President Trump's chaotic trade and immigration policies, leading to a 7% decrease in tourism through June 2025.
  • Senator Rosen has a track record of supporting Nevada's travel and tourism industry, including her work as the former chair of the Senate subcommittee overseeing tourism.
  • The proposed Visa Bond Pilot Program would impose a substantial fee on international visitors seeking to obtain a business visitor or tourist visa.
  • The program's implementation could have significant economic implications for Nevada's tourism industry, which is a major driver of revenue and employment.

Statistics:

  • 7% decrease in tourism in Nevada through June 2025 compared to the previous year (Source: Senator Rosen's letter).
  • $3 billion in funding brought to Nevada for the historic Brightline West high-speed rail project, which will serve Las Vegas and Southern California (Source: Senator Rosen's letter).
  • Tourism-related revenue is a major driver of revenue and employment for American-owned small businesses, hotels, restaurants, and attractions (Source: Senator Rosen's letter).

Sources:

  • Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), "Letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio" (no date).
  • Washington Post, "Nevada's Tourism Industry is Struggling, and Senators are Taking Action" (no date).
  • Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), "Omnibus Travel and Tourism Act" (2022).
  • Contify, "MIL OSI USA News" (2025).

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