Asylum Seekers in the U.S. face difficulty due to a combination of increased restrictions and fees. According to the Los Angeles Times, many asylum seekers came with family, fleeing unsafe situations in their country of origin. Returning simply isn’t an option for them.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implemented a one-hundred-and-two dollar filing fee for asylum seekers on May 29, 2026. The rule also extends the waiting period to apply for asylum from five months to one year. Historically, the United States didn’t charge people for humanitarian asylum applications.

For many asylum seekers, the new rule places them in a catch twenty-two. Many can’t afford the application fee but can’t legally work in the United States until they apply for asylum. This means asylum applicants risk losing their qualification for asylum by working illegally or going without necessities. DHS explained the new guidelines relieve the more than three million case backlog on the asylum processing system.

As always, Immigration USA actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, we’re with you every step of the way.