This just in: If you’re planning on visiting the U.S. from any one of a number of places (Australia, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, just to name a few), be prepared to open your wallets, and I’m not talking about the airfare.

According to this Yahoo news item, a new “tourist tax” will force travelers flying to the states from certain countries to pay a $14 “operational and travel promotion” fee if they do not (and they most likely will not) possess a U.S. visa.

What’s up, America? Why would we do this when we clearly state on the Statue of Liberty “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…”

It doesn’t say “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses for a sweet discounted fee of only $14…”

What do you think? Is the tax going a little overboard? And where did they come up with $14, exactly?

In other news—I will be Munich-and-Salzburg-bound in only 16 days time. VERY exciting!

Bis bald, friends!