Ep 029: Inside the Lawsuit Challenging the USCIS Fee Increase

Episode 29: Challenging USCIS Fee Increases with Attorney Jonathan Wasden

In this episode of Immigration Uncovered, host James Pittman sits down with renowned attorney Jonathan Wasden to discuss his firm's recent lawsuit against USCIS. The lawsuit aims to halt proposed fee increases that could significantly impact immigrants, particularly those seeking H-1B and EB-5 visas. Wasden shares insights into the legal arguments presented, the plaintiffs' roles, and how the lawsuit challenges USCIS on multiple fronts, from compliance with Congressional requirements to fiscal transparency.

Key Takeaways:

• USCIS Biases: Discussion on institutional biases against H-1B and EB-5 visa categories.
• Legal Arguments: How fiscal law, lack of proper notice, and failure to release supporting data underpin the case.
• Proposed Asylum Fee: Analysis of the controversial asylum application fee and fiscal implications.
• EB-5 Visa Impact: Examination of skyrocketing EB-5 visa fees and their effect on immigrant investors.
• Plaintiffs’ Role: The role of the American Immigrant Investor Alliance (AIIA) in the lawsuit.
• Future of Immigration Policy: Potential outcomes of the lawsuit and its long-term effects on USCIS and immigration policy.

Listen now to learn how this legal battle could reshape USCIS fee structures and immigration policy, and discover how you can support this critical challenge.