H.R.1: How the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Impacts U.S. Immigration

On July 4, 2025, the United States Bill H.R.1. most recognizably called the “One Big Beautiful Bill” was passed by Congress and signed by the U.S. President. The impact of this bill affects several sectors within the Federal Government’s operations, including the future of U.S. immigration procedures. With this new bill comes many challenges to be faced by immigrants and immigration advocates.

Regarding immigration policies, the bill provides an increase of funding for the expansion of personnel and staff within the U.S. Custom and Border Protection agency (CBP). A significant portion of the bill was designed to also increase application fees and heighten law enforcement capabilities to make both authorized and unauthorized migration to the U.S. more arduous than before.

Future funding for U.S. Custom and Border Protection

Under this bill the Federal Government has appropriated 6.1 billion dollars to CBP for the procurement and use of immigration law enforcement equipment during the fiscal year of 2025. This funding will allow the agency to enhance its inspection equipment and machinery to combat the import and export of narcotics. The Air Force and the Marines’ capabilities will also be updated in this process resulting in upgrades to intelligence operations and an increase in border surveillance and security. One Big Beautiful Bill Act H.R.1, 119th Cong. § 90004 (2025).

The bill will also assign two billion dollars for hiring and training of additional CBP agents. It will cover transportation costs associated with deportation and removal operations and give additional support to state and local immigration strategies. One Big Beautiful Bill Act H.R.1, 119th Cong. § 100051 (2025).

Future Funding for ICE Operations

A total of 4.5 billion dollars will be allocated to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This allocation of funding will be used to build new detention facilities that will have single adult and family holding centers. DHS will use these facilities to house recently detained families and individuals, awaiting a pending decision under the Immigration and Nationality Act. INA (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.). While detention centers are not a new concept facing U.S. immigration law, the creation of new detention centers may provoke new issues by permitting substantially bigger facilities to be built with larger holding capacities. This change also affects detention duration standards in which determinations on whether detainees will be removed from the United States may take longer, with the availability of more custody space. One Big Beautiful Bill Act H.R.1, 119th Cong. § 90003 (2025).

A sum of 29.8 billion dollars will go towards hiring and training new ICE officers, agents, investigators, and support staff. This apportionment will also be used for retention purposes through signing and performance bonuses as incentives and recruitment of more ICE officers. One Big Beautiful Bill Act H.R.1, 119th Cong. § 100052 (2025).

Changes to Application Fees

Bill H.R.1. will also pose new challenges for those filing petitions to obtain immigration status. Filing fees for both immigrant and nonimmigrant applications are set to change under the bill. An application for Asylum by filing Form I-589, historically has had no fee. The new bill will now require a fee of $100, subject to an increase at the discretion of the U.S. Secretary of State or the Attorney General. An annual fee of $100 will reoccur for any pending Asylum applications. Asylum has been preserved for people seeking refuge and protection within the United States caused by suffering or fearing persecution from staying in their home country. The inclusion of a filing fee for an application that has never required one could have significant impacts and decrease the number of Asylum cases received to the U.S., by potentially deterring those who would have otherwise applied. One Big Beautiful Bill Act H.R.1, 119th Cong. § 100002 (2025).

The filing fees for Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) or work permits will increase to $550 for EAD applications of Asylum, Parole, or Temporary protected status (TPS). Prior to the implementation of the bill EAD filing fees were $470 for online applications and $520 for paper applications. Advanced Parole applications which allow non-citizen individuals to travel outside the U.S. will also increase from $630 to $1,000 under the bill. Temporary Protected Status filing fees have changed from $50 to $500 for individuals who are unable to safely return to their home country. One Big Beautiful Bill Act H.R.1, 119th Cong. §§§§ 100003-6 (2025).

The Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) application is another petition that once had no fee but will now have a newly installed filing fee of $250. SIJS applications are opportunities for immigrant children, who have been neglected, abused, or abandoned by a parent, to obtain lawful permanent residency. Similar to the challenges faced by the changes to Asylum cases, SIJS cases may also see a decrease in applicants due to potential lack of resources to pay for filing fees. Additionally, sponsors of SIJS applicants will now be required to undergo extensive background checks and an interview. A biometric examination of all child beneficiaries of SIJS applications will now be conducted for inspection of any gang-related markings. One Big Beautiful Bill Act H.R.1, 119th Cong. § 87001 (2025).

Construction of the Border Walls

A final change to U.S. immigration polices under the H.R.1. Bill is the creation of the “State Border Security Reinforcement Fund” within DHS. This grant will give eligible states and local governments financial means to begin the construction and installation of border walls, fencing, oceanic buoys, and other barriers along the southern border of the United States. Officials of the eligible states can apply for this grant by stating the purpose for which they seek the funds and demonstrate how the state plans to allocate those funds. Acceptance of applications for the fund will begin 90 days after the enactment of the H.R.1. bill around October of 2025.

Potential Implications

On the surface, the “Big Beautiful Bill” aims to use funding to expand immigration law enforcement capabilities and create new fees and procedures. The greater implications and objectives of this bill, seek to prevent advancement and diminish immigrant populations and communities within the United States. Those seeking protection, family reunification, or a new life in the U.S., will now face harsher application processes that demand more resources from petitioners. The bill’s plans for detention procedures and security operations may jeopardize public trust in law enforcement officers and could potentially instigate future abuses of human rights to those in custody. With the recent approval of the bill, it is imperative that everyone affected by its implementation remain informed on the current and changing laws. Attending local workshops to understand the rights each person possesses and having a plan or course of action for oneself and their family can help combat the uncertainty created by this big, but not very beautiful bill.

In the face of adversity Polaris Law Group is dedicated to being a guiding light, willing to help you with your immigration matters. Our goal is to provide exceptional legal services to keep you, and your families informed and updated with new immigration laws. If you are looking for representation for your immigration case, please contact us at (402) 606-1441 or by email at irina@polarislawyers.com. Our team of attorneys and paralegals are here to help.

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