USCIS Announces Consequences for Unpaid Annual Asylum Fees
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released an interim final rule detailing severe consequences for asylum seekers who fail to pay the new Annual Asylum Fee (AAF). Effective May 29, 2026, applicants who do not pay the required fee within 30 days of notification will face the rejection of their pending asylum applications.
The consequences of a rejected application are substantial. If USCIS rejects an asylum application due to unpaid fees, any associated work authorization (Form I-765) will be immediately denied or revoked. Furthermore, if the applicant lacks other legal status in the United States, USCIS will initiate removal proceedings. The rule also implements a minimum $24 filing fee for Form I-102 (Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document) and limits Temporary Protected Status (TPS) employment authorization to one year.
These U.S. immigration policy changes emphasize the critical importance of monitoring USCIS correspondence and ensuring all required fees are paid promptly to avoid losing legal protections and work authorization.