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Reduce Financial Barriers to Immigration and Citizenship Act of 2021
12/31/2022, 8:59 AM
Summary of Bill HR 5319
One key provision of the bill is the elimination of certain fees associated with the immigration process. This includes the removal of the $725 application fee for naturalization, as well as the elimination of fees for work permits and green card renewals. These changes are intended to make it easier for immigrants to navigate the legal system and obtain the necessary documentation to live and work in the US.
Additionally, the bill includes measures to provide financial assistance to low-income immigrants who may struggle to afford the costs associated with the immigration process. This includes the establishment of a fund to help cover application fees for those who demonstrate financial need. Overall, the Reduce Financial Barriers to Immigration and Citizenship Act of 2021 aims to make the immigration process more equitable and accessible for all individuals, regardless of their financial circumstances. By reducing the financial burdens associated with obtaining legal status, the bill seeks to promote greater inclusivity and opportunity for immigrants in the United States.
Congressional Summary of HR 5319
Reduce Financial Barriers to Immigration and Citizenship Act of 2021
This bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from charging fees for certain immigration applications (or petitions), requires DHS to provide fee waivers to certain applicants, and addresses related issues.
DHS may not impose fees for certain applications for or related to (1) asylum or refugee status, (2) special immigrant juvenile status, (3) U or T non-immigrant visas (victims of certain crimes such as human trafficking), (4) the Violence Against Women Act, (5) special immigrant status for Afghan or Iraqi nationals employed by the U.S. government, or (6) immigration-related fee waivers.
DHS must also waive immigration-related application fees for an applicant who receives a means-tested benefit or meets certain conditions related to financial hardship. However, DHS is not required to provide fee waivers for applications for certain employment-based immigration benefits.
Receipt of a fee waiver may not be used as a factor (1) for determining whether an alien should be considered a public charge, or (2) when considering an affidavit of support filed by a sponsor.
The bill also requires all collected immigration-related adjudication fees to be used only to fund the adjudication and administration of immigration benefits and naturalization.
