Court fees required for immigrants to challenge their deportation orders may increase by nearly $1,000 under a new proposed regulation. The increase in court charges is the latest move by President Trump’s administration to increase the difficulty of successful immigration. The administration also proposed the requirement to increase the fee that asylum seekers pay to have their cases heard in court. The new proposed regulation would increase the fee from $0 to $50.
The Executive Office for Immigration Review mentioned that increasing the cost in court charges would make sure the American taxpayers would not be funding the immigration system. Applicants will be able to apply for waivers if they can show proof of a lack of income or other financial resources. Immigration lawyers commented on the proposed fees on asylum applications, stating that the increase in fees does not provide a fair hearing for these applicants. It also puts a price tag on asylum seekers who are fleeing their country in fear.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services has also proposed an increase in fees and the new fee structure will be implemented on October 2. As of October 2, 2020, green card applicants will see an increase in their application of $990, making the total cost of application to be approximately $2,750. Applying for citizenship will also see an increase of $445. Immigrants applying for permanent legal status will have difficulty in getting approved if they use public benefits such as food stamps and/or Medicaid.
The proposed regulation will make it harder for immigrants to fight their deportations, especially those in immigration detention centers. They will need at least $1,000 in filing fees to appeal their case, and that does not include the legal costs of hiring an attorney. If you are currently in removal (deportation) proceedings and need a lawyer, please call my office to set up a consultation. I represent clients regarding all types of removal defense.