U.S. Immigration Agency to Require Electronic Payments Only
WASHINGTON D.C. – Starting October 28, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will no longer accept checks or money orders for immigration fees, mandating all payments be made electronically. The shift to digital payments impacts applicants for a wide range of immigration processes, including naturalization, work permits, and family-based petitions.
The policy change,stemming from a March decree by President Donald trump promoting a transition to digital government payments,has drawn scrutiny due to exceptions outlined in the order that are not reflected in USCIS’s implementation. While the governance frames the move as a modernization effort, concerns have been raised regarding accessibility for individuals without bank accounts or digital payment methods. Applicants will now be required to use a credit card or complete Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, to submit fees.
USCIS stated the measure aligns with the President’s directive, despite the order’s stated exceptions.The agency has recently faced controversy over visa restrictions for transgender women and reports of agents evaluating applicants’ social media for “anti-American” behavior, adding to concerns about evolving immigration policies.
