New Entry Fee for Paroled Immigrants

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Thursday that a new $1,000 fee will be charged to immigrants paroled into the United States. This fee aims to ensure accountability and help prevent fraud within the parole system.

According to a news release from the agency, this measure is designed to strengthen oversight and deter abuse of the immigration parole system.

Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of DHS, commented that the Biden administration has taken advantage of the immigration system, converting parole into something resembling an amnesty program, which, in her view, allows millions of undocumented individuals to enter the country unchecked, ultimately harming Americans.

McLaughlin further stated, “Through the introduction of this new fee, President Trump and Secretary Noem are ensuring that foreign nationals who wish to stay are in the game and not abusing the system. This Immigration Parole Fee Notice serves as another tool to halt the deterioration of our immigration system and restore law and order to our nation.”

The fee will be collected once the grant is activated, rather than when the application for parole is submitted or when travel documents are issued.

Furthermore, the fee might be adjusted each year in line with the Consumer Price Index, and the DHS intends to publish an annual notice in the Federal Register regarding these adjustments.

Funds collected will be managed by Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The announcement also coincides with the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to deport immigrants living illegally in the U.S. and to limit legal immigration pathways. This includes a contentious proposal to raise the H-1B visa application fee to $100,000, which has led to legal challenges from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.