With many fee waivers eliminated and new fees being imposed, those seeking safety in the U.S. are at an unprecedented crossroads.
Passed on July 4, 2025, The “One Big Beautiful Bill” contains a plethora of new initiatives—including major changes in immigration and how those seeking safety are able to keep it.
It has historically been free and legal to apply for asylum at the U.S. border; as one could imagine, many of those who have fled their homes have done so without monetary or material resources. Now, under the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” those who apply for asylum are required to pay a new $100 fee—along with annual $100 fees so long as their application remains pending (many remain pending for multiple years).
Most application fee waivers for asylum, Temporary Protected Status, and humanitarian parole have been eliminated, significantly limiting access to safety for low-income individuals. The TPS application fee has also increased from $50 to $500, with no fee waiver available.
Many of the families we serve are eligible for more permanent legal statuses—such as green cards or even citizenship—but the rising cost of immigration fees can be a major roadblock. For example, green cards for a family of 6 can easily exceed $10,000—not including legal fees if applying with an attorney. We want each and every individual in our communities to have the most secure form of status possible; safety and belonging should never be reserved for only those who can afford it.
Continuing to make safety in the U.S. an elusive commodity will create a dark stain on America’s history. We long for a day in which America can once again be a welcoming place for the lost and weary. At NICE, we remain steadfast to our commitment to provide for the vulnerable families in our care. Our cost-effective, multilingual immigration services have helped countless families with green cards, family reunifications, citizenship applications, and more. We’ve been a place of hope and welcome for 20 years, and we won’t stop now.
