In October 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) introduced two changes that profoundly affect those with pending asylum cases: the digitization of Form I-589 and the introduction of an annual fee of $100 to keep the file open if it extends beyond one year. (source: USCIS)
Throughout this blog, I will explain:
- What this new fee and digitization means for asylum seekers.
- How these changes interact with other immigration procedures (VAWA, U Visa, etc.).
- Why those seeking to regularize their status need a rigorous mental health evaluation.
- How immigration lawyers can benefit from collaborating with expert therapists.
- Call to action: how to contact us for evaluation or collaboration.
Changes for asylum cases
Digitization of the I-589 and new rules
Since October 2025, USCIS has made a digital version of Form I-589 (asylum application) available to certain applicants, under specific conditions: only for those applying for affirmative asylum, present in the US, with no pending cases in immigration courts.
In addition, if the asylum case remains open for more than one year, USCIS requires payment of $100 per year, exclusively through electronic means, with no exemptions. Those who do not respond within 30 days may see their case delayed or even closed.
Implications for applicants
- People with protracted asylum cases face a new financial burden that may discourage them from continuing with the process.
- Failure to pay may result in administrative delays or closure of the case.
- Those who do not comply with the digitization requirement (because they are in court, are unaccompanied minors, or do not qualify) are excluded from this new mechanism and must continue with the traditional process.
- Attorneys must ensure that their clients comply with these new requirements to avoid procedural penalties.
How does this affect other immigration procedures?
Although this news item focuses on asylum, it is useful to review compatibility with other types of cases where a mental health evaluation may be used as supporting documentation:
| Immigration procedure | Recent risks or challenges | Role of mental health assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Asylum (I-589) | New annual fee, limited digitization, risk of closure due to non-payment | Document emotional impact, trauma, emotional stability |
| VAWA (Domestic Violence) | Risk that the aggressor will interfere with or delay proceedings with new enforcement policies | Assessment of emotional impact, emotional dependence |
| Visa U (crime victim) | Stricter policies may require stronger evidence of the emotional impact of crime. | Expert report to demonstrate suffering, rehabilitation, risks |
| I-601 Waiver | Greater scrutiny of requests for pardon justified by trauma or extreme hardship | Assessment of emotional burden for family members who are citizens/residents |
| T Visa | The sensitivity of the case requires robust documentation of emotional harm. | Specialized assessment to document symptoms of complex trauma |
| Cancellation of removal (42B) | “Exceptional and extreme hardship” must be demonstrated for the family. | Mental health profile supporting the impact on family members who are citizens |
| Removal of Conditions (I-751) | Menos directamente implicada, pero en casos con historia de violencia Less directly involved, but in cases with a history of domestic violence, it can be connected to VAWA. | Evaluaciones de impacto emocional post ruptura con el cónyuge |
| Admission after deportation (I-212) | Arguing rehabilitation or humanitarian reasons may require medical/mental health evidence. | Evaluación del cambio de comportamiento, adaptación social |
A specialized mental health evaluation can provide supporting documentation.
For procedures such as U Visa, VAWA, I-601, Cancellation of Removal, among others, it is common for the opposing party (or immigration authorities) to question the veracity or severity of the harm suffered. A well-written mental health evaluation provides:
- Backed by professional diagnosis.
- Causal relationship between criminal acts or violations and emotional damage.
- Functional and projective impact perspective: how trauma affects the applicant’s current and future life.
- Credibility: an independent analysis adds weight to the case before judges or officials.
Risk detection and support
Many applicants have experienced traumatic events (domestic violence, se*ual abuse, political persecution) that can lead to post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation. An evaluation allows:
- Identify subtle symptoms that could weaken the case if not documented.
- Recommend therapeutic intervention to support the applicant’s stability during the immigration process.
- Provide a clear report that is useful for lawyers and judges.
Do you need help or know someone seeking asylum?
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Important note: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Carla Parola is an Arizona Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC); she is not an attorney or a licensed psychologist. For decisions about your immigration case, consult an immigration attorney or accredited representative. A mental health evaluation can document emotional impact; legal decisions rest with USCIS or the court, and legal strategy with your attorney.
