How the One Big Beautiful Bill Could Shape Future Immigration Policies

Key Takeaways

• The House passed the One Big Beautiful Bill on July 3, 2025, raising immigration fees and enforcement funding.
• The bill adds a $100 asylum application fee and a 5% excise tax on remittances from non-citizens.
• It increases visa, work permit, and travel authorization fees, affecting families, students, employers, and asylum seekers.

As of July 3, 2025, the United States 🇺🇸 House of Representatives passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1), a sweeping piece of legislation that could reshape the country’s immigration policies for years to come. Sponsored by Rep. Jodey C. Arrington (R-TX-19), this bill introduces a series of changes that affect everything from asylum applications to visa fees and border enforcement. the bill’s passage marks a major moment in the ongoing debate over how the United States 🇺🇸 manages immigration, and it sets the stage for future proposals like the RAISE Act to follow its lead.

Let’s break down what the One Big Beautiful Bill means, who it affects, and how it could change the future of immigration in the United States 🇺🇸.

What Is the One Big Beautiful Bill and Why Does It Matter?

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a large and complex piece of legislation focused on tightening immigration controls, raising fees for many immigration services, and increasing funding for enforcement. The House passed the bill on July 3, 2025, after weeks of debate and negotiation. It now moves to the Senate for further review.

The bill matters because it could:

• Make it more expensive for people to apply for legal immigration benefits, including asylum applications and family reunification.
• Change how the United States 🇺🇸 handles visa policies and border enforcement.
• Influence future immigration proposals, including the RAISE Act, by setting new standards for fees and enforcement.

Key Provisions: What’s Changing Under the Bill?

The One Big Beautiful Bill introduces several important changes. Here’s a closer look at the most significant provisions and what they mean for immigrants, families, and employers.

1. Increased Fees for Immigration Services

One of the bill’s most talked-about features is the sharp increase in fees for many immigration services. This includes:

• Asylum Applications: The bill proposes a new $100 fee for asylum applications, plus additional annual fees while the application is pending. This is a major shift, as asylum applications have traditionally been free to encourage people fleeing danger to seek protection legally.
• Work Permits and Family Reunification: Fees for work permits and family-based immigration petitions are also set to rise, making it more expensive for people to bring family members to the United States 🇺🇸 or to work legally while their cases are processed.

Why does this matter?
For many immigrants, especially those fleeing violence or poverty, even small fees can be a big barrier. Increasing these costs could make legal immigration pathways out of reach for some, pushing them toward irregular or unauthorized methods.

2. Visa Integrity Fees and New Charges

The bill introduces a new “visa integrity fee” for certain visa categories. It also raises fees for:

• Diversity Visa Lottery Entries: People applying for the diversity visa lottery, which gives green cards to individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States 🇺🇸, will face higher application costs.
• ESTA Travel Authorization: Travelers from countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program must pay more for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
• Form I-94 Fee: A new fee is proposed for Form I-94, which is the arrival/departure record for foreign visitors. You can find the official Form I-94 on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

What’s the impact?
These new and higher fees could make it harder for people to visit, study, or work in the United States 🇺🇸 legally. For some families and students, the extra costs may be too much to afford.

3. Excise Tax on Remittances

The bill adds a 5% excise tax on money sent from the United States 🇺🇸 to other countries (remittances). However, remittances sent by U.S. citizens and nationals are exempt.

Why is this important?
Many immigrants send money back home to support their families. This new tax could take a big chunk out of those funds, making it harder for families in other countries to get the help they need. It could also encourage people to use informal or unregulated channels to send money, which can be risky.

4. Increased Funding for Enforcement

The One Big Beautiful Bill dramatically increases funding for immigration enforcement. This includes more money for:

• Border security and patrols
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations
• Technology and infrastructure at the border

What does this mean for enforcement?
With more resources, the government could increase border checks, detain more people, and speed up deportations. Supporters say this will make the country safer and reduce unauthorized immigration. Critics worry it could lead to more family separations and make life harder for people seeking safety or a better life.

How Could the Bill Influence Future Immigration Proposals?

The One Big Beautiful Bill doesn’t just change current policies—it could also shape the direction of future immigration proposals, including the RAISE Act and other bills.

Setting a New Standard for Fees and Enforcement

By raising fees and focusing on enforcement, the bill sets a precedent. Future proposals may:

• Emphasize Financial Barriers: Lawmakers could see higher fees as a way to limit immigration or make the system pay for itself.
• Prioritize Enforcement: More money for border security and deportations could become the norm in future bills.
• Move Toward Merit-Based Systems: Proposals like the RAISE Act, which aims to favor skilled workers and reduce family-based immigration, may adopt similar fee structures and stricter eligibility rules.

The RAISE Act Connection

The RAISE Act is a proposal that would change how green cards are given out, focusing more on skills and less on family ties. If influenced by the One Big Beautiful Bill, the RAISE Act could:

• Increase application fees for employment-based visas
• Add new requirements or costs for family-based immigration
• Make it harder for lower-income applicants to qualify

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these trends could make the United States 🇺🇸 immigration system more selective and expensive, with fewer options for people without advanced degrees or high incomes.

Stakeholder Perspectives: Who Supports and Who Opposes the Bill?

Republican Leadership

Supporters of the bill, including Rep. Arrington and other Republican leaders, argue that:

• The bill fulfills promises to secure the border and reduce unauthorized immigration.
• Higher fees will make the system more financially sustainable.
• Stronger enforcement will protect American jobs and public safety.

They see the bill as a necessary step to fix what they call a “broken” immigration system.

Immigration Advocates and Critics

Many immigration advocates and some Democrats oppose the bill, saying:

• Increased fees will keep out people who need protection or want to reunite with family.
• The bill could push more people to enter the country without permission.
• More enforcement could lead to family separations and overcrowded detention centers.
• The backlog in immigration courts could get worse if more people are forced into the system without enough resources to process their cases.

Advocates also point out that asylum seekers, who are often fleeing violence or persecution, may not be able to pay the new fees, leaving them with no safe way to apply for protection.

Practical Implications: Who Will Be Affected?

The One Big Beautiful Bill’s changes will touch many groups, including:

• Asylum Seekers: Facing new fees and possibly longer waits for decisions.
• Families: Higher costs for family reunification petitions could keep loved ones apart.
• Employers: Increased fees for work permits and visas may make it harder to hire foreign workers.
• Students and Visitors: Higher visa and travel authorization fees could discourage people from studying or visiting the United States 🇺🇸.
• Immigrant Communities: The new remittance tax could reduce the money sent home, affecting families abroad.

Procedural Steps: What Happens Next?

After passing the House, the bill moves to the Senate. Here’s what to expect:

1. Senate Review: The Senate will debate the bill, possibly making changes or amendments.
2. Conference Committee: If the Senate passes a different version, a committee will work out the differences.
3. Final Vote: Both chambers must approve the final version.
4. Presidential Signature: The bill goes to the President for signature or veto.

You can track the bill’s progress and read the full text on Congress.gov.

Background: How Did We Get Here?

Immigration has long been a hot topic in the United States 🇺🇸. In recent years, debates have focused on:

• Border security and how to handle people arriving at the southern border
• The cost and fairness of legal immigration pathways
• The backlog of asylum applications and other cases in immigration courts

The One Big Beautiful Bill is the latest in a series of efforts to address these issues. Its passage reflects growing support among some lawmakers for stricter controls and higher costs, as well as ongoing disagreements about the best way forward.

Recent Developments and Announcements

• House Passage: The House passed the bill on July 3, 2025, after a series of votes and discussions.
• Stakeholder Statements: Rep. Arrington and other supporters have highlighted the bill’s role in fulfilling campaign promises about border security and fiscal responsibility.
• Ongoing Debate: Advocacy groups and some lawmakers continue to push for changes, especially to protect vulnerable groups like asylum seekers and families.

What Should Immigrants and Stakeholders Do Now?

If you are affected by the bill or expect to be, here are some steps to consider:

• Stay Informed: Follow updates on official government websites and trusted news sources.
• Review Application Plans: If you plan to apply for asylum, a visa, or family reunification, be aware that fees may increase soon.
• Seek Legal Advice: Talk to an immigration lawyer or accredited representative to understand your options and rights.
• Prepare for Possible Delays: Increased enforcement and higher fees could slow down processing times or make it harder to apply.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for U.S. Immigration Policy

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act represents a major shift in how the United States 🇺🇸 approaches immigration. By raising fees, adding new taxes, and increasing enforcement, the bill could make legal immigration more difficult for many people. It also sets a new direction for future proposals, including the RAISE Act, which may follow its lead in emphasizing financial barriers and stricter controls.

As the bill moves through the Senate and possibly becomes law, immigrants, families, employers, and advocates will need to watch closely and adapt to the changing landscape. For now, the best approach is to stay informed, plan ahead, and seek help if you need it.

For the latest updates and official information, visit Congress.gov.

Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that the One Big Beautiful Bill could have long-lasting effects on the U.S. immigration system, shaping not just current policies but also the direction of future reforms. Whether these changes will make the system fairer and more secure—or simply harder for many to access—remains to be seen. What’s clear is that the debate over immigration in the United States 🇺🇸 is far from over, and the choices made now will affect millions for years to come.

Learn Today

One Big Beautiful Bill → A 2025 US House bill raising immigration fees, taxes, and funding for border enforcement.
Asylum Application → A formal request to receive protection in the US due to persecution or danger in home country.
Visa Integrity Fee → A new charge on certain visa types to cover enforcement against fraud and ensure compliance.
Remittances → Money sent by immigrants from the US to their families in other countries.
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) → An online authorization required for travelers under the Visa Waiver Program to enter the US.

This Article in a Nutshell

On July 3, 2025, the House approved the One Big Beautiful Bill, increasing immigration fees and enforcement budgets. This legislation changes asylum application costs, visa fees, and adds taxes on remittances, impacting migrants and families while setting a precedent for future immigration reforms in the United States.
— By VisaVerge.com