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• DHS Proposes Major Increase to Naturalization Filing Fees
• Top 10 Summer Travel Tips for U.S. Employers When Traveling Abroad
• Appeals Court Clears Path for Expanded Expedited Removal Program
• Ghana Replaces Visa on Arrival with New Digital Entry System

DHS Proposes Major Increase to Naturalization Filing Fees

The Department of Homeland Security has proposed substantial increases to filing fees for naturalization and related applications, marking one of the most significant fee adjustments in recent years. The proposal, scheduled for publication in the Federal Register, would raise costs for both naturalization applicants and individuals seeking review of denied applications.

Under the proposed rule, the filing fee for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, would increase from $760 to $1,330 for paper filings and from $710 to $1,280 for online filings. The proposal would also eliminate the reduced fee currently available to certain lower income applicants and remove fee waiver eligibility for naturalization related filings.

In addition, the fee for Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings, would increase significantly, with paper filing fees rising from $830 to $1,475.

DHS states that the proposed changes are intended to better align filing fees with the agency’s adjudication costs and reduce reliance on fee structures that do not fully recover processing expenses. The agency is accepting public comments for 60 days following publication of the proposed rule before determining whether to move forward with a final version.

Some of the most notable proposed changes include:

• N-400 paper filing fee increasing by 75 percent
• N-400 online filing fee increasing by 80 percent
• Elimination of reduced fees for certain lower income applicants
• Elimination of fee waivers for N-400 and N-336 filings
• N-336 filing fee increasing by more than 75 percent

Impact: If finalized, the proposal would significantly increase the cost of becoming a U.S. citizen and pursuing naturalization related appeals. Eligible applicants considering naturalization may wish to evaluate filing timelines carefully, as a final rule could take effect shortly after the rulemaking process concludes.

Top 10 Summer Travel Tips for U.S. Employers When Traveling Abroad

Summer travel can present additional challenges for foreign national employees returning to the United States. While most international travel is routine, changing immigration policies, increased border inspections, and consular processing delays make advance planning more important than ever.

Before traveling, employees should keep these key considerations in mind:

1. Confirm your passport will remain valid for your planned travel period.
2. Verify that your U.S. visa is valid and matches your current immigration status before booking international travel.
3. Carry original immigration documents, including your passport, visa, Form I 797 approval notice if applicable, and a recent employment verification letter.
4. Consult immigration counsel before traveling if you have a pending extension, change of status, or adjustment of status application.
5. Review planned business activities abroad to ensure they comply with local immigration and employment laws.
6. Expect increased questioning by Customs and Border Protection when returning to the United States and be prepared to explain your employment and travel history.
7. Be aware that CBP may inspect electronic devices at ports of entry and follow your employer’s cybersecurity guidance when traveling with company data.
8. Monitor travel advisories and entry requirements, which can change with little notice.
9. If a visa renewal is required, schedule appointments as early as possible and prepare for potential administrative processing delays.
10. Seek immigration guidance before travel if you have changed employers, experienced prior immigration issues, or have questions about reentry.

Impact: A proactive travel review can help minimize disruptions and reduce the risk of delays at consulates or ports of entry. Employers should consider reminding foreign national employees to review travel documents, update employment verification letters, and consult immigration counsel before international travel during the busy summer season.

Appeals Court Clears Path for Expanded Expedited Removal Program

A divided panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit has allowed the Administration to move forward with an expansion of expedited removal, a process that permits immigration authorities to quickly remove certain noncitizens without a hearing before an immigration judge.

The ruling overturns a lower court decision that had temporarily blocked the policy, finding that the challengers were unlikely to succeed on certain procedural claims. As a result, the Department of Homeland Security may continue implementing broader use of expedited removal while litigation continues.

Expedited removal has historically been used for certain individuals encountered near the border who cannot demonstrate sufficient time in the United States. The expanded policy allows immigration authorities to apply expedited removal more broadly to individuals who are unable to establish that they have continuously resided in the United States for a specified period.

Supporters of the policy argue that it provides a more efficient mechanism for enforcing immigration laws and addressing case backlogs. Critics have expressed concerns that the process offers limited opportunities for individuals to present claims or challenge removal decisions before an immigration judge.

The legal challenge is expected to continue, and additional appeals or court review remain possible. However, for now, the ruling allows DHS to proceed with implementation of the expanded policy.

Impact: The decision could expand the number of individuals subject to rapid removal proceedings and increase the importance of maintaining documentation demonstrating lawful status and length of residence in the United States. Employers and foreign nationals should monitor further litigation, as future court decisions may alter the scope or implementation of the policy.

Ghana Replaces Visa on Arrival with New Digital Entry System

Ghana has introduced a new digital travel framework that significantly changes how many foreign nationals obtain authorization to enter the country. Effective May 25, 2026, the government replaced much of its visa-free and visa-on-arrival system with a combination of Electronic Travel Authorizations and online eVisas.

Under the new rules, many travelers who previously entered Ghana without a visa must now obtain a free Electronic Travel Authorization before departure. The requirement applies to certain African Union nationals and other travelers who were previously visa exempt. However, citizens of Economic Community of West African States and Alliance of Sahel States countries remain exempt and may continue to enter visa-free with a valid passport.

Ghana has also launched a new online eVisa platform for visa-required travelers. The system allows applicants to submit forms, upload supporting documents, and pay fees electronically before travel. Authorities indicate that approved eVisas are generally issued within several days and delivered electronically.

The reforms are intended to modernize Ghana’s immigration infrastructure, improve border security, and support broader regional mobility initiatives. While the new framework is designed to streamline processing, travelers should expect a transition period as implementation continues and additional guidance is released.

Foreign nationals planning business or tourism travel to Ghana should carefully verify whether they require an ETA or eVisa before departure, as pre-travel requirements have changed substantially.

Impact: The new system shifts entry authorization requirements from arrival to pre departure planning. Employers and travelers should review travel requirements early and ensure all required approvals are obtained before boarding, as failure to secure an ETA or eVisa may result in denied boarding or refusal of entry upon arrival.

Editor: Jesse Arianna Gonzales