Comment Submitted by Anonymous
AnonymousOpposeIndividual
Summary: The commenter opposes the proposed rule, arguing that international law mandates the right to seek asylum regardless of an individual's ability to pay fees. They also contend that an annual asylum fee is unfair because it penalizes seekers for government-caused delays in the adjudication process.
I am writing to oppose the Interim Final Rule titled USCIS Immigration Fees and Related Procedures Required by H.R.1 Reconciliation Bill, DHS Docket No. USCIS-2026-0133.
The United States' obligations under international law to provide asylum are not conditional on the ability of the asylum seeker to pay any fee. Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states "Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution." This does not leave room to deny such asylum due to the non-payment of any fee. As such, any consequences for such non-payment should not include rejection of the asylum claim.
Additionally, an annual asylum fee unreasonably penalizes asylum seekers for delays caused by the government. The longer an asylum seeker has to wait for the government to adjudicate their case, the more money the government takes from them. This is patently unfair and unreasonable.