When people talk about immigration reform, the conversation usually drifts toward border walls, asylum policies, or green card caps. But one of the most consequential changes in Trump’s newly passed One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) is something less visible — yet just as impactful: immigration application fees.
Yes, you read that right. The cost to legally apply for a visa, green card, or naturalization just went up. In some cases, way up.
So why is this happening? And what does it mean for immigrants trying to build a future in America? Let’s unpack it.
What Is Trump’s OBBB Immigration Bill?
Signed into law in 2025, Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) is a massive piece of immigration reform legislation. It’s designed to overhaul everything from border security to legal immigration pathways. Supporters claim it brings “order” and “efficiency.” Critics argue it leans heavily on deterrence — not just through policy, but through cost.
One of the most impactful provisions in OBBB? A mandatory restructuring of USCIS fees, designed to “fully fund operations” — but also seen by many as a backdoor barrier to legal immigration.
Key USCIS Immigration Fee Increases in 2025
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of old vs. new immigration application fees under OBBB:
| Application Type | Previous Fee | New Fee (2025 OBBB) |
|---|---|---|
| Naturalization (Form N-400) | $725 | $1,050 |
| Green Card (Form I-485, incl. work/travel permits) | $1,225 | $2,190 |
| DACA Renewal (Form I-821D) | $495 | $620 |
| Asylum Application (Form I-589) | $0 | $100 |
| H-1B Visa (Form I-129 base fee) | $460 | $1,100 |
| Biometrics | $85 (added) | Bundled, higher base fee |
These are not minor increases — they’re in some cases doubling or even tripling the financial burden. And they affect millions of applicants each year.
Why Did OBBB Raise Immigration Fees?
The official reason for the immigration fee hikes under Trump’s OBBB is simple: to make USCIS “fiscally independent.”
USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) is already a fee-funded agency. Roughly 96% of its operations come from application revenue. But the OBBB law goes further — mandating that fees cover not just basic processing but also the costs of fraud prevention, enforcement collaboration, and digitization initiatives.
That might sound reasonable — until you realize these costs have little to do with individual applicants. In reality, critics say this approach shifts the financial burden of immigration enforcement directly onto immigrants themselves.
In effect, the Trump administration is building a financial barrier to legal immigration.
Who’s Hit the Hardest by the New Immigration Fees
The short answer: everyday immigrants, especially those from working-class or low-income backgrounds.
Let’s break it down:
1. Family-Based Green Card Applicants
Under OBBB, a family of four applying for adjustment of status inside the U.S. would now need to pay over $8,700, up from about $4,900 previously. That doesn’t include attorney fees, medical exams, or translations.
2. DACA Recipients (DREAMers)
Young adults protected under DACA must reapply every two years. Under OBBB, renewal fees rise to $620 — a significant jump for applicants often working entry-level jobs or paying for college.
3. Asylum Seekers
Perhaps the most controversial fee of all: OBBB introduces a $100 filing fee for asylum applications — previously free. For people fleeing war, persecution, or economic collapse, even a small fee can be a devastating barrier.
4. Citizenship Applicants
The naturalization fee increases by nearly 45%, from $725 to $1,050. This hits long-term green card holders hoping to become full U.S. citizens — many of whom have lived and worked in the U.S. for decades.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Legal Immigration in America
Supporters of the fee increases argue that immigrants should be financially self-sufficient and that the system shouldn’t be taxpayer-funded. But this framing ignores reality:
- Legal immigration is already a complex and expensive journey.
- These new fees don’t guarantee faster processing.
- Instead, they limit access — especially for immigrants of modest means.
It’s a form of “economic gatekeeping” — allowing in only those who can afford to navigate the labyrinth.
Potential Impacts:
- Fewer citizenship applications due to cost
- Delayed family reunification
- Drop in legal DACA renewals
- Reduced workforce diversity in critical industries like healthcare and tech
In the long term, this approach could lead to higher backlogs (as fewer people apply but USCIS still maintains high operating costs) and even lower naturalization rates, threatening integration goals.
Can Immigrants Do Anything to Offset the New Fees?
Yes — but options are limited.
1. File Early (If You Can)
Many of the new fees are rolling out in late 2025 and early 2026. If you’re eligible to file now, doing so before the full fee hikes kick in could save you hundreds or thousands.
2. Apply for a Fee Waiver
Some applicants, like those applying for naturalization, may qualify for fee waivers or reduced fees based on income. But be warned: OBBB also tightened waiver eligibility, so it’s harder to qualify than before.
3. Get Legal Help
With higher stakes and stricter rules, legal advice is more important than ever. A licensed immigration attorney can help you navigate the process, assess timing, and identify potential savings.
Final Thoughts: Are We Pricing Out the American Dream?
Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill may brand itself as an immigration “fix,” but the 2025 immigration fee hikes feel less like reform — and more like exclusion through economics.
The message seems clear: If you can’t pay, you can’t stay.
That runs counter to decades of American tradition. Immigrants have always brought more than money to this country — they bring work ethic, resilience, family values, and innovation. Raising fees to this extent doesn’t just block “bad actors.” It punishes those who follow the rules but simply don’t have deep pockets.
In the end, immigration policy isn’t just about border security or visa quotas. It’s about what kind of country we want to be.
Are we still a nation of opportunity for the tired, poor, and huddled masses?
Or have we quietly decided that the American Dream now comes with a $10,000 price tag?