The Digest:
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced new and increased fees for various immigration applications, including asylum and employment authorization, effective July 22, 2025. This policy change explores deeper issues of immigration access, financial barriers, and the evolving landscape of US immigration policy, engaging public discourse on its potential impact on applicants.
Key Points:
- USCIS introduces new and increased fees for immigration applications.
- Changes take effect from July 22, 2025, under the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill.
- All forms postmarked on or after July 22 must include updated fees; non-compliant submissions rejected from August 21.
- A new $100 fee for Form I-589 (asylum application) is introduced.
- Applicants with pending asylum cases will pay a $100 Annual Asylum Fee (AAF) yearly.
- Initial Employment Authorization Document (EAD) applications (Form I-765) now cost $550; renewals are $275.
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS) registration fee (Form I-821) increased tenfold from $50 to $500.
- These new fees are separate from existing USCIS fees and are not eligible for fee waivers.
Sources:The Guardian
