The United States government has implemented a new fee structure that directly affects those seeking political asylum or who have pending cases in any part of the immigration system.
The new measures include two distinct and mandatory fees, noncompliance with which could result in the rejection of cases, specialized lawyers warned.
The measure has caused concern and uncertainty among thousands of immigrants, especially those who have waited for years for a resolution to their protection cases.
Experts warn about the importance of staying informed and not acting hastily amidst what they describe as a chaotic scenario.
Two mandatory fees: initial application and annual charge for pending cases
The new scheme includes two different and cumulative payments.
The first is a fixed fee of $100 for the initial submission of a political asylum application, regardless of whether the process is done online or by mail. This payment covers the entire form, regardless of the number of dependents included in the application.
The second, more controversial fee is an annual charge of $100 for each year that the case remains undecided, whether before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), an immigration judge, or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).
This second fee will particularly impact those who have been waiting for an official response for years - even over a decade.
For many, it represents not just a new economic cost but also an additional burden amidst processes that are already complex and lengthy.
“It's a significant change, because we are talking about people who have been waiting for up to a decade for their asylum interview”, warned attorney De la Vega, in statements to Telemundo 51.
The lawyer advised the applicants to remain alert for official notifications, and in case of any doubts, to contact an immigration specialist as soon as possible to avoid mistakes or non-compliance that could jeopardize their cases.
Uncertainty about how and when to pay
In the case of court applications, a digital platform is now available where applicants can enter their foreigner number, make the payment, and download the receipt, which must be presented to the respective judge.
However, for pending cases —at any stage— there is still no clear official guideline on how to complete the payment of the annual fee.
The government is expected to directly notify applicants in the coming months, outlining the proper procedure.
This initial lack of clarity has generated anxiety among those who are currently undergoing active processes and are unsure how to comply with the new requirement.
Risk of rejection due to non-payment
One of the most important warnings is that those who do not comply with the established payments may have their cases rejected, according to sources consulted from the legal field.
This makes the fee not only an economic obligation but also a crucial procedural requirement for the continuation of the asylum case.
For this reason, lawyers like De la Vega emphasize that this new system represents a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, which could directly impact thousands of applicants, particularly those with less access to financial resources or legal assistance.
Call for calm amid the generated "chaos"
Lawyer Ismael Labrador, interviewed by journalist Mario J. Pentón, stated that the implementation of these fees has caused genuine chaos among immigrants undergoing asylum procedures in court.
According to the explanation, this includes both those who entered since 2021 and the more recent arrivals, who have come through the CBP One app in 2023 and 2024.
"Do not rush to court, do not commit a traffic violation, do not expose yourselves unnecessarily. Of course, there is a lot of stress; the systems are overwhelmed," noted Labrador, urging calm, patience, and caution.
The lawyer urged the affected individuals to await official instructions regarding payment and reminded them that hasty or uninformed actions could be detrimental.
The imposition of fees in asylum processes—historically exempt from payment—represents a profound shift in the approach of the U.S. immigration system towards those seeking protection.
As the government defines the collection mechanisms for pending cases, thousands of immigrants remain in limbo, concerned about the impact these new requirements may have on their legal status and their ability to stay in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Asylum Fees in the U.S.
What are the new fees for political asylum applications in the U.S.?
The new fees include an initial payment of 100 dollars for the submission of the asylum application and an annual charge of 100 dollars for each year that the case remains undecided. These fees apply to applications made both online and by mail, and they accumulate for those who have been waiting for years for a resolution.
What happens if the new asylum fees are not paid in the U.S.?
Asylum cases may be denied if the established fees are not paid. This makes the fees a crucial procedural requirement for the continuation of the case, and applicants must be vigilant about official notifications to avoid mistakes that could jeopardize their applications.
How should the annual fees for political asylum be paid?
Currently, there is no clear official guide on how to complete the payment of the annual fee for pending cases. The government is expected to notify applicants directly in the coming months, outlining the proper procedure. This lack of clarity has created uncertainty among applicants who do not know how to fulfill the new obligation.
Will the asylum fees be applied retroactively?
The annual fee of 100 dollars for asylum will be applied retroactively. This means that applicants will have to pay for each year that their asylum process has been pending, which could result in significant cumulative payments for those who have been waiting for years.
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