U.S. Immigration courts want to dramatically raise filing fees

Proposal could boost costs by more than $800

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KYMA, KECY) - U.S. Immigration courts are proposing a major hike in the fees charged for filing appeals.

The Executive Office for Immigration Review published a notice Friday seeking the increase the cost of an appeal from $110 to $975. The agency says fees haven't been raised since 1986. It says it needs additional money to cover rising costs generated by soaring caseloads.

Immigrant advocates say the increased cost will prevent people from appealing immigration court decisions.