1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am opposed to the recently announced policy that will impose additional fees on foreign visitors to our national parks starting January 1, 2026. This misguided 'America-first' pricing strategy will have significant negative consequences for our local economies and international reputation. Our national parks are not just natural wonders; they are economic engines for surrounding communities. These areas heavily depend on tourism, which has already seen a significant decline. By implementing a $250 annual pass or a $100 per-person surcharge for non-U.S. residents, we risk further depressing international tourism. This could devastate local businesses that rely on visitors to the parks. The National Park Service already generates a revenue surplus. This demonstrates that our parks are financially sustainable without resorting to discriminatory pricing. Moreover, the proposed policy contradicts the very essence of what our national parks represent: spaces of natural beauty and wonder open to all, regardless of nationality. The idea that anyone should have to show a passport to experience these magnificent landscapes is antithetical to the spirit of our national parks. These are places that showcase the best of America to the world. By implementing this discriminatory fee structure, we risk further damaging our international relationships and our reputation as a welcoming destination. I urge you to speak out against this rule and advocate for its immediate reversal. We should maintain a flat fee structure for all visitors, regardless of their country of origin. This approach would preserve the economic benefits of international tourism, uphold our values of equality and inclusivity, and ensure that our national parks remain accessible wonders for people from all walks of life. Please take action to protect our local economies, our international reputation, and the universal appeal of our national treasures. The communities surrounding our parks cannot afford the consequences of this short-sighted and divisive policy.