Republicans want to discourage illegal immigration and need to get around progressive judges who stymie executive orders.
Republicans need to take congressional action to do these things, but must figure out a way around the filibuster in the Senate.
Republicans must find new revenue sources to help “pay for” tax cuts in their reconciliation plan.
So they have hit on a great idea that accomplishes all the purposes above.
Late yesterday, the House GOP announced it would start increasing and imposing more expansive immigration fees. Because it is not a new policy, it works to satisfy the complex Byrd Rule in the United States Senate that must be used for reconciliation to bypass the filibuster.
There will be a $100 fee for an asylum filing that cannot be waived. There’ll be a $500 per-six-month work permit. There’ll be an extra $100 fee for every year an asylum claim drags on. (Source)
Surely, those who object can set up a non-profit to help legitimate asylum seekers cover the cost. I know several good Christian charities that help Christian refugees seeking asylum in the country. I’m sure they’d help legitimate asylum claims while deterring fraudulent ones.
Anyone who wants to get an unaccompanied minor out of a government shelter as a sponsor would have to pay $8,500.00 with $5,000 of that money reimbursed should the child not be deported in absentia, which is a pretty common sense way to ensure the sponsor gets the child to his court hearings to determine eligibility for entry. (Source)
The plan would also impose fees for dragging out immigration hearings and other fees for processing and court hearings…
