DHS Implements New $1,000 Parole Fee to Combat System Abuse

New Parole Fee Takes Effect

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially implemented a new $1,000 fee for individuals granted parole into the United States, effective October 16, 2025. This measure, mandated by the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill, is designed to introduce greater accountability and deter what officials describe as rampant abuse and fraud within the immigration parole system.

Under the leadership of Secretary Kristi Noem, DHS aims to 'return common sense and integrity to our immigration system,' according to official statements. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that the fee ensures 'foreign nationals, who wish to stay here, have skin in the game and do not exploit the system.'

Scope and Implementation Details

The new $1,000 parole fee applies broadly to all foreign nationals granted parole under INA Section 212(d)(5)(A). This includes various categories such as:

• Initial parole
• Re-parole
• Parole in place
• Parole from DHS custody

The fee is triggered upon the actual grant and effectuation of parole, not when a parole request is initially filed. Applicants will be notified by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when the fee is due. Collection of the fee will be handled by three primary DHS components: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Exemptions and Future Adjustments

While the fee is widely applicable, there are ten statutory exemptions for certain circumstances. These exceptions include cases involving urgent medical needs, imminent family emergencies, and individuals assisting law enforcement. Eligibility for these exemptions will be determined by DHS on a case-by-case basis.

The fee amount is not static; it is subject to annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index, with DHS publishing an annual notice in the Federal Register to announce any changes.

Broader Context of Immigration Policy Changes

This new parole fee is part of a larger legislative package, the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill (also known as the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act'), signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4, 2025. The bill introduces a series of new and increased fees across various immigration processes, reflecting a broader shift in U.S. immigration policy. Other changes include new fees for asylum applications and increased costs for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and employment authorization documents (EADs). Critics argue that these new fees could make humanitarian protections unaffordable for many individuals seeking relief in the United States.