Protecting Asylum Integrity Act

Key Points

• The bill would require asylum seekers to pay at least $100 before they can receive a credible fear interview, the first step in determining whether they have a legitimate fear of returning to their home country.
• The fee would be adjusted every year for inflation starting in fiscal year 2027, using the Consumer Price Index, meaning the amount would grow over time to keep pace with the cost of living.
• Half of the collected fees would go to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for processing and operations, while the other half would go into the general fund of the U.S. Treasury.
• Supporters argue the fee would help recover costs associated with credible fear screenings, including officer time, interpreter services, and detention support, while also discouraging frivolous claims.
• The bill could create a significant barrier for asylum seekers who arrive at the border with little or no money, potentially preventing them from accessing the legal process for claiming protection even if they have legitimate fears of persecution.