Illegal immigrants who want to stay in the United States while awaiting a court date or medical procedure will now have to pay $1,000, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Oct. 16. The agency said the new fee for foreign nationals paroled into the country, which became effective on Oct. 16, is expected to create more accountability and prevent fraud within the parole system. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said
This policy change, announced by DHS in an effort to fund border infrastructure and security measures, has caused outrage and controversy among immigration advocates and human rights organizations. The fee, which applies to asylum seekers, refugees, and other migrants seeking legal entry into the U.S., is seen as a barrier to those who are already facing significant financial hardships.
Furthermore, the imposition of a fee on migrants seeking legal entry into the U.S. could lead to an increase in illegal border crossings, as those who are unable to pay the fee may be forced to seek entry through dangerous and unauthorized means.
Despite these concerns, DHS maintains that the fee is necessary to address the strain on resources caused by the influx of migrants at the border. They argue that the fee will help fund initiatives to improve border security and the asylum process, ultimately benefiting both migrants and U.S. citizens.
