House Republicans have unveiled a sweeping new immigration proposal that would introduce the first-ever $1,000 fee to apply for asylum in the United States, along with higher charges for renewing work permits.
The bill, spearheaded by the House Judiciary Committee, also includes a $550 renewal fee every six months for work permits issued to asylum seekers, parolees, and individuals under Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Currently, such permits cost up to $520 and last for two years.
Supporters of the legislation, including Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), say the fees would generate an estimated $77 billion to expand detention facilities, increase staffing for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and support the immigration court system.
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The bill also seeks to eliminate fee waivers that allow low-income applicants to avoid certain costs, a move that critics argue could limit access to legal protections for the most vulnerable migrants.
Immigrant rights advocates warn that the proposed changes would place undue financial burdens on asylum seekers and contradict long-standing U.S. humanitarian commitments.
The legislation remains a proposal and must pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by the President before becoming law.