Immigration application fees remain unchanged. On September 29, 2020, a federal judge in California barred the federal government from raising immigration application fees just a few days before the changes were set to take effect. Judge White temporarily blocked the fee increases finding that Homeland Security Chief Chad Wolf was likely inappropriately appointed. Judge White also found that the increase in immigration fees would harm the public because it would prevent vulnerable and low-income applicants from applying for immigration benefits.
Then, on October 9, 2020, a D.C. federal judge also temporarily blocked the federal government from raising immigration application fees. Similar to the California decision, Judge Moss found that acting Homeland Security Chief Chad Wolf was likely inappropriately appointed. Mr. Wolf finalized the fee increase while likely inappropriately appointed as Security Chief.
Some notable fee changes include raising the N-400 Naturalization fee from $640 to $1160; setting a $50 fee for asylum applications; raising the fee for I-765 Employment Authorization applications from $410 to $550; and raising the fee for I-601A waiver applications from $630 to $960.
The dramatic increase in application fees would severely harm low-income immigrants for which immigration relief would be cost-prohibitive. A temporary block on the fee increase rule offers an opportunity for immigrants to apply for relief.
This is an overview of the proposed fee increase and the ongoing litigation to stop the fee increase. This post does not constitute legal advice. Please schedule a consultation with Aparisi Law to discuss your case.
