2025 Immigration Policy Updates and Changes
Major Policy Overhaul
H.R. 1 Fee Increases
The H.R. 1 legislation, effective January 20, 2025, implemented significant fee increases across multiple immigration applications and processes. These increases are intended to fund enhanced enforcement operations and reduce processing backlogs.
| Form/Application | Previous Fee | New Fee | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-601 Waiver | $930 | $1,000 | +$70 |
| I-601A Provisional Waiver | $665 | $750 | +$85 |
| I-212 Permission to Reapply | $930 | $1,200 | +$270 |
| BIA Appeal (EOIR-26) | $415 | $520 | +$105 |
| I-589 Asylum Application | $0 | $100 | +$100 |
| TPS Application | $410 | $500 | +$90 |
| SIJS I-360 | $0 | $250 | +$250 |
Enforcement Policy Changes
New Enforcement Priorities
- Expanded expedited removal authority to 2 years nationwide
- Increased ICE detention capacity and funding
- Stricter asylum credible fear standards
- Enhanced worksite enforcement and E-Verify requirements
- Reduced discretionary waivers and humanitarian exceptions
- Streamlined removal proceedings for certain cases
- Increased penalties for immigration violations
Program Modifications and Terminations
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
terminated for multiple countries
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
no new applications
Parole programs
significantly restricted
Family reunification programs
reduced capacity
Refugee admissions
lowered annual ceiling
Asylum processing
stricter standards and faster timelines
Work authorization
longer processing times and restrictions
2025 Implementation Timeline
January 20, 2025
H.R. 1 legislation signed into law - fee increases effective immediately
February 1, 2025
TPS terminations announced for Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Sudan
March 15, 2025
New USCIS processing priorities implemented - enforcement cases first
April 1, 2025
Enhanced expedited removal procedures begin nationwide implementation
May 1, 2025
Stricter asylum credible fear standards take effect
June 1, 2025
Work authorization restrictions for asylum seekers implemented
Ongoing
Increased workplace enforcement operations and compliance audits
TPS Country Updates
Terminated Countries
- • Haiti - Terminated February 2025
- • Honduras - Terminated February 2025
- • Nicaragua - Terminated February 2025
- • Sudan - Terminated February 2025
- • Myanmar - Under review for termination
Continued Designations
- • Venezuela - Extended through 2025
- • Afghanistan - Extended through 2025
- • Ukraine - Extended through 2025
- • Syria - Extended through 2025
- • Yemen - Extended through 2025
Asylum and Refugee Changes
New Asylum Fee
Credible Fear Standard
Processing Changes
- Faster case completion timelines - cases prioritized for quick resolution
- Reduced work authorization wait period from 150 to 365 days
- Limited continuances and extensions granted by immigration judges
Family Immigration Impact
Priority Date Changes
Public Charge Rule
Affidavit of Support
Recommended Actions
Immediate Steps to Take
- 1Review current case status and pending applications for impact
- 2Budget for increased fees if planning to file applications
- 3Consult with qualified immigration attorney about policy impacts
- 4Gather additional evidence for applications given stricter standards
- 5Stay informed of ongoing policy changes and implementation updates
Critical Warnings
Important Cautions
- Policies continue evolving - verify current requirements before filing
- Higher denial rates expected due to stricter standards and faster processing
- Increased enforcement means higher risk for those with any violations
- Legal representation more important than ever given complexity of changes