Why the i-912 Biometrics Fee Is a Barrier for Low-Income Immigrants
Immigration has been a controversial and complex issue for decades in the United States. While the country is regarded as a land of opportunities and freedom, it often fails to deliver these promises to low-income immigrants. One of the significant hurdles faced by low-income immigrants is the requirements of the i-912 Biometrics fee.
What is the i-912 Biometrics Fee?
The i-912 Biometrics Fee refers to the fee charged by the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for fingerprinting, photographing, and signature verification of applicants. Biometrics is an essential component of the USCIS process as it helps verify the identity of an applicant, aids in the background check, and can help detect fraud in cases where someone is pretending to be someone else.
Previously, the biometrics fee was a part of the larger USCIS application fee. However, in 2019, USCIS enforced a separate fee of $85 for the biometrics process, making it mandatory for anyone who is applying for an immigration benefit. The cost of biometrics fee is a significant concern for low-income immigrants as it adds a substantial financial burden to the already expensive immigration process.
The Impact on Low-Income Immigrants
The biometrics fee may appear small, but it can significantly impact the finances of low-income immigrant families. The fee applies individually to each family member, meaning that a family of five applying for an immigration benefit for all its members would need to pay $425 for biometrics alone—this figure is in addition to the already exorbitant application fees, which could run into thousands of dollars.
For low-income families, the cost of biometrics could mean the difference between staying in poverty or moving towards sustainability. The fee could make it impossible for them to complete the immigration process, and in some cases, lead to the family separation or deportation.
Alternatives to the Biometrics Fee
Offering a waiver to the biometrics fee or reducing the cost could be considered as an alternative. USCIS does provide fee waivers for some applicants, but the requirements for a fee waiver are stringent, and very few applicants are eligible. The waiver is available to refugees, asylum-seekers, domestic violence victims, and those with household income less than 150% of the federal poverty line, but it is subject to availability. Additionally, locals charities and immigration organization may provide some financial assistance, but it is not always sufficient to cover the cost of biometrics for a family.
The Importance of Addressing the Biometrics Fee
The biometrics fee presents a significant barrier to low-income immigrants, which often leads to a delay or hinderance in their immigration process. The fee goes against the idea of making the American dream accessible and attainable for everyone. Current policies already privilege wealthy immigrants, and the biometric fee exacerbates the disparity. As a result, many low-income immigrants remain undocumented and live in the shadow to avoid detection. This situation is not only harmful to the immigrants but to the entire community, as it leads to a lack of resources, unreported crimes, and labor exploitation.
Conclusion
The i-912 Biometrics Fee is a significant barrier to low-income immigrants, as it adds an additional financial burden to an already expensive process. The high cost can lead to many immigrants deciding to not apply for immigration benefits, which could prevent them from further contributing to the thriving community and economy. Addressing the fee through waivers, fee reductions would not only provide support to low-income immigrants but would also live up to the American promise of being a nation of immigrants.
