On July 4, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law—a sweeping budget reconciliation bill that makes significant changes to U.S. policy. This process was fraught with tension, featuring over a day of amendments in the Senate and culminating in the longest vote in the history of the House of Representatives, which ultimately passed by a narrow 218-214 margin.
What Impact Will the OBBBA Have on Refugees and Other Immigrants?
The newly enacted legislation poses unprecedented challenges for refugee and immigrant communities. During the Congressional debate, Global Refuge, alongside other advocacy groups, worked tirelessly to oppose several harmful changes that could adversely affect these populations. Their efforts culminated in a letter signed by over 100 organizations, advocating against cuts to critical programs such as SNAP, Medicare, and Medicaid. They also participated in a Congressional press conference that highlighted the legislation’s negative implications for refugees and immigrants.
What Are Some of the Biggest Changes to Immigration Policy in the OBBBA?
The OBBBA Dramatically Increases Federal Spending on Detention, Deportation, Border Barriers, and Other Immigration-Related Measures.
This comprehensive bill allocates nearly $47 billion for border wall and barrier construction, along with $45 billion aimed at increasing adult and family detention capacities. Additionally, it sets aside nearly $30 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). As Global Refuge’s President & CEO Krish O’Mara Vignarajah noted in a recent press release, “This bill…devotes unprecedented resources towards a sprawling human incarceration machine, while stripping support from those who followed legal processes to seek safety through proper channels. Nothing could be more at odds with the balanced approach Americans overwhelmingly favor concerning border security and legal immigration pathways.”
The OBBBA Excludes Lawfully Present Refugees and Asylees from Key Support Programs Before They Obtain Green Card Status.
Significantly, the OBBBA eliminates access to crucial support programs for lawfully present refugees and asylees, including:
- The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is vital for providing food security for refugee families as they acclimate to life in the U.S.;
- Medicaid, enabling low-income families to access essential health insurance and healthcare services; and
- Medicare, which supports healthcare for older refugees and other immigrants (those aged 65 and older, among others).
By restricting access to these programs, the OBBBA not only deprives newcomers of essential support for basic needs but also complicates their journey toward self-sufficiency, ultimately leading to higher poverty and illness rates within these communities.
The OBBBA Introduces or Increases Many Immigration Fees.
The legislation also implements several provisions that render immigration applications and work permits considerably more expensive, effectively transforming humanitarian protection into a pay-to-play system. Some of these financial hurdles include:
- A new $100 non-waivable fee to apply for asylum protections, along with an $100 annual fee for each year the asylum application is pending;
- A new application fee of $250 for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS);
- An increased application fee for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from $50 to $500, with no waiver option;
- A $550 fee for applying for an initial work permit based on asylum applications, parole, or TPS;
- A fee of $275 for each renewal or extension of employment authorization for asylum applicants, parolees, and TPS holders.
These changes are expected to destabilize immigrant communities across the country, making access to humanitarian protection more financially burdensome and access to work permits more challenging, while also restricting healthcare availability.
Were Immigration Advocates Able to Make Changes to the OBBBA?
Despite the persistence of many harmful provisions in the legislation, immigration advocates succeeded in enacting some positive amendments. Notably, the proposed asylum application fee was reduced from $1,000 to $100, and an exorbitant fee for sponsors of unaccompanied children was removed. Such changes were made possible through the persistent advocacy of a committed network utilizing e-mails and phone calls to their congressional representatives.
What’s Next?
While the legislative battle surrounding the OBBBA has concluded, the ongoing effort to promote welcoming policies continues. As the new law takes effect, Global Refuge remains dedicated to educating communities and lawmakers about the consequences of these provisions. Their advocacy will focus on restoring access to essential assistance for refugees and asylees, ensuring that the U.S. remains a welcoming haven for those seeking safety.
Global Refuge will steadfastly advocate for the rights of refugees, asylees, and immigrants across the United States. Their network and allies continue to engage in key bipartisan initiatives aimed at preserving protections and pathways for newcomers.
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