In response to USCIS’s biennial fee review and proposed fee schedule, KIND submitted comments discussing the impact of proposed changes on the children KIND serves, noting that the decision to reverse many of the draconian rules adopted during the Trump administration will ensure that unaccompanied children have access to vital benefits. Notably, KIND praised the elimination of an application fee to apply for asylum and an expansion of fee exemption policies for many application types typically sought by unaccompanied children and other vulnerable groups. KIND took issue, however, with changes to employment authorization fees and to the continued increases in fees many applicants seeking lawful permanent residence or citizenship will face. KIND urged USCIS to explore all avenues for reducing fees and making the process of becoming a citizen more affordable for all, including seeking additional appropriations from Congress.
