Comment Submitted by Anonymous
AnonymousSupportIndividual
Summary: The commenter supports the proposed fee increase for Form I-246, arguing that the current fee has not kept pace with inflation or the increased administrative costs of enforcement since 1989. They suggest that the fee should be high enough to recover the full costs of adjudication from applicants rather than shifting those costs to taxpayers.
To Whom It May Concern:
I support DHS’s proposed rule to raise the Form I-246 fee from $155 to $755, and I encourage the agency to consider an even higher amount.
The existing fee has remained unchanged since 1989, despite inflation exceeding 150% and a significantly increased enforcement workload today. Compared to 1989, illegal immigration now creates substantially greater economic and administrative demands, including expanded requirements for regulation, screening, fraud prevention, litigation, and enforcement.
A stay of deportation or removal is a form of discretionary relief from an otherwise valid removal order. Because deportation is avoidable through compliance with immigration law, taxpayers should not bear the financial burden of costs resulting from unlawful presence. In light of the elevated risk of illegal re-entry and repeat violations among removed individuals, DHS should aim to recover the full costs of adjudication and related enforcement from applicants rather than shifting those costs to the public.