With President Donald Trump back in office, immigration policy has taken a hard turn toward enforcement, restrictions, and financial barriers. One of the administration’s most controversial legislative actions is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)—a sweeping law that impacts nearly every area of immigration, from asylum to family petitions to public benefits.
At Maghzi Law Firm, we help immigrants in Charleston and throughout South Carolina understand and navigate these fast-changing laws. If you or your loved ones are pursuing immigration relief, here’s what you need to know about OBBBA and its major changes.
OBBBA Significantly Increases Immigration Fees
One of the most immediate and far-reaching changes under OBBBA is the implementation and increase of fees for nearly all immigration filings, particularly in removal (deportation) proceedings handled by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).
Key fee-related provisions include:
- New fees for initial asylum applications
- Annual fees for every year an asylum case remains pending
- Higher fees for appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)
- Increased fees for motions to reopen or reconsider
These fees are in addition to any existing fees under current federal regulations. That means individuals in removal proceedings now face multiple layers of costs—a significant burden for low-income families.
Waivers Are Now Severely Restricted
Previously, some immigration fees could be waived based on financial hardship. Under OBBBA, several key fees are now non-waivable, including:
- Initial asylum application fee
- Annual asylum fee (starting in fiscal year 2025)
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS) application fee
This means that even indigent individuals and vulnerable populations—including asylum seekers fleeing persecution—must now pay fees to have their applications processed.
Although EOIR’s fee waiver form (Form EOIR-26A) is still valid, it cannot be used to waive fees that OBBBA prohibits from being waived.
Ongoing Increases: Inflation Adjustments Begin in 2026
Beginning in fiscal year 2026, all fees under OBBBA will be adjusted annually for inflation. This means immigrants should expect rising costs each year, even for routine filings or ongoing applications.
Additionally, EOIR and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are authorized under OBBBA to raise fees above the current statutory amounts through future regulations.
Mandatory Compliance and Filing Rejections
Under the law, Immigration Courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals must reject any filings that do not include the appropriate fees or a valid waiver request. This makes proper filing procedures more critical than ever.
Asylum Applicants Face New Challenges
In addition to financial hurdles, OBBBA:
- Imposes fees on motions to reopen cases based on asylum
- Applies the annual asylum fee retroactively to any application pending for more than one year after the bill's enactment
- Reduces protections for unaccompanied minors and fast-tracks removal processes
For example, if you filed an asylum application in July 2024 and it’s still pending in July 2025, you’ll now owe the annual asylum fee.
What Does This Mean for Immigrants in Charleston?
These changes are already affecting immigrants in South Carolina. With stricter filing requirements, more fees, and fewer waiver options, the risk of missed deadlines, rejected applications, and stalled cases has increased dramatically.
Whether you're seeking asylum, TPS, family-based relief, or defending against removal, you need a knowledgeable legal advocate now more than ever.
How Maghzi Law Firm Can Help
At Maghzi Law Firm, we are deeply committed to protecting the rights of immigrants and families in Charleston and across South Carolina. Our experienced legal team is ready to help you:
- Understand your rights under OBBBA
- Ensure your applications are complete, accurate, and properly filed
- Explore any remaining options for waivers or relief
- Avoid costly mistakes that could harm your case
Take Action Now
If you are affected by President Trump’s immigration policies, do not wait. Contact Maghzi Law Firm today for a consultation. We’ll help you navigate the complex landscape of U.S. immigration law with clarity, compassion, and skill.