Trump increases immigration tariffs through new law in the U.S.

paola vanessa romero rondon
Oct 15
4 min read

If you live in the United States and are thinking about regularizing your immigration status, this information is urgent and very important for you and your family. Recently, a new law has been signed that completely changes the cost of immigration proceedings, and establishes new immigration fees, making it much more expensive to initiate a process.

In this article, we explain in simple terms what is happening, what the new prices are and why it is so important to act now.

What is the new immigration law and how does it affect you?

On July 4, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed into law the law known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" or "OBBBA." This law introduces new fees and increases existing fees for many immigration processes.

The goal is clear: to make the path to legal status in the country more difficult and costly.

These new fees and rules will start to apply very soon. This means that you have very little time to start your process with the current costs. After that date, it will be much more difficult and expensive.

Price increase: How much will it cost to fix papers?

Many procedures that used to be free or cheaper now have much higher prices. Here is a list of the new official costs so you won't be fooled:

Apply for Asylum (Form I-589): Now has an initial fee of $100. It used to be free.

Annual Asylum Case Fee: $100 must be paid each year that your asylum application remains pending.

Apply for Residency or Green Card (Adjustment of Status, Form I-485): The new fee is $1,500.

Cancellation of Removal for Non-Residents (Form EOIR-42B): Costs $1,500.

Apply for TPS (Temporary Protected Status, Form I-821): The application now costs $500.

Appeal a Judge's Decision (Form EOIR-26): If you need to appeal, the cost is $900.

Motion to Reopen a Case: Costs $900 in most situations.

Beware! Payment waivers for key procedures are disappearing.

Perhaps the harshest change in this new law is the elimination of the "fee waiver" for some of the most important procedures.

A fee waiver allowed low-income persons to apply for a waiver at no cost.

According to the new law, you will NO longer be able to request a waiver for the following procedures, regardless of your financial situation:

The initial fee to apply for asylum.
The annual fee for having a pending asylum case.
The fee to apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

This means that it is now mandatory to pay these fees in order to access these forms of immigration protection and relief.

What should I do now?

The government's message is clear: immigration proceedings are now more expensive and less accessible. Waiting to start your case will only make it more expensive and difficult in the future.

If you are considering any type of immigration relief, now is the time to act. We recommend that you seek legal advice from a trusted immigration attorney as soon as possible to understand your options and begin your process before costs can escalate again.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the new immigration fees:

1. Is it true that asylum is no longer free?

Yes, it is true. Before, applying for asylum was a free process. With the new law, you must now pay an initial fee of $100 and an annual fee of $100 for as long as your case is open. In addition, these fees do not qualify you for a fee waiver.

2. Are these rates definitive or can they go up further?

They can go higher. The law authorizes the government to increase these tariffs in the future above the current amounts. In addition, it has been established that prices will be adjusted for inflation each year starting in 2026. This means that costs will most likely continue to rise over time.

3. What happens if I send my application at the old rate or without paying?

If your application requires a fee under the new law and you do not include it or submit the incorrect amount, your application will be rejected. It is critical to make sure you pay the correct amount for your case to be accepted.

Do you need a lawyer to help you get your papers in the United States?

At Inmigración Ok Abogados, we provide you with the help you need. We are a law firm with extensive experience in helping people like you to settle legally in the country.

Our firm not only stands out for its professionalism and efficiency, but also offers payment facilities so that you do not feel that your dreams are out of reach due to economic barriers. Inmigración Ok Abogados is committed to you, and our main objective is to make sure you have the best legal representation for your case.

Let us be part of your journey to a better and safer life in the United States. Our team is ready to answer all your questions and guide you through every step of the process, and best of all, your initial case review is free of charge!

Don't wait any longer and take the first step towards your future in the U.S. Write to us now to our WhatsApp al +1 (908) 585-4523! Our team looks forward to hearing your case and providing you with the advice you deserve. We will review your case free of charge.