5 Key Facts About the New DACA Fee Increase

In a recent development that has sparked both concern and debate, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has announced a significant fee increase. This change, implemented by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has far-reaching implications for hundreds of thousands of Dreamers across the United States. Below, we delve into the 5 Key Facts About the New DACA Fee Increase, exploring its background, rationale, impact, and what it means for the future of the program.

1. The New Fee Structure: A Substantial Increase

The most immediate and striking aspect of the update is the new fee structure. Previously, the total cost for initial DACA applications and renewals was 495, covering both the employment authorization application (410) and biometric services fee (85). Under the revised guidelines, the total fee has surged to 765 for renewals and $850 for initial applicants. This represents a 54% increase for renewals and a 73% increase for new applicants. The breakdown is as follows:
- Employment authorization: 550 (up from 410)
- Biometrics: 85 (unchanged) - New asylum program fee: 130 (only for initial applicants)

2. Rationale Behind the Fee Increase

USCIS has cited operational costs as the primary justification for the fee increase. The agency, which is almost entirely fee-funded, claims the hike is necessary to cover expenses related to adjudication, fraud prevention, and customer service improvements. However, critics argue that the increase is excessive and fails to account for the financial strain many DACA recipients already face, particularly amid economic uncertainty.

3. Impact on DACA Recipients and Their Families

The fee increase comes at a time when many DACA recipients are grappling with job insecurity, healthcare costs, and limited access to federal aid. For context, the median income for DACA recipients is approximately $40,000 annually, according to a 2022 report by the Center for American Progress. A $765 renewal fee equates to nearly 2% of their annual earnings, a significant burden for individuals often supporting families or pursuing higher education.

4. Advocacy and Legal Challenges

The announcement has galvanized advocacy groups, who argue the increase is punitive and undermines the program’s purpose. Organizations like the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) and United We Dream have launched campaigns urging fee waivers or reduced rates for low-income applicants. Meanwhile, legal challenges are brewing, with potential lawsuits alleging the increase violates the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) by failing to consider public comments adequately.

"This fee hike is a backdoor attack on DACA," said Greta Martinez, a DACA recipient and activist. "It’s not just about money—it’s about forcing us out of the system."

5. Broader Implications for Immigration Policy

The DACA fee increase is emblematic of broader tensions in U.S. immigration policy. While the program remains in legal limbo due to ongoing court battles, the fee hike signals a shift toward self-sufficiency for USCIS, potentially setting a precedent for other immigration services. Critics fear this could foreshadow similar increases for citizenship applications or visa processes, further restricting access to legal status.

The DACA fee increase is more than a financial adjustment—it’s a policy decision with profound human and economic consequences. As the debate unfolds, the fate of hundreds of thousands of Dreamers hangs in the balance, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform.