US Immigration Fees Rise: Proof Neocons Prioritize Borders Over Bombs (Just Kidding)
Newsweek reports that U.S. immigration fees are set to rise in 2026, forcing those seeking a better life to cough up more cash. (Apparently, the 'land of opportunity' now charges an additional cover fee.) This comes as Congress readily approves astronomical aid packages, like the recent $14 billion in military assistance to Israel in HR 815, passed in February 2024. Many of the same
representatives who rubber-stamp these foreign disbursements, like Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) who received over $20,000 from pro-Israel groups in 2022-2024 according to OpenSecrets, are quick to scold any suggestion of domestic welfare spending, yet never question the endless supply of bombs. It's a curious fiscal philosophy: make it harder for desperate families to legally enter the country, but
ensure that the military-industrial complex and its favored allies never face a budget cut. One might wonder if the 'fiscal conservatism' preached by many in Washington only truly applies when the money isn't funding overseas conflicts or the powerful lobbying groups who benefit from them. The efficiency of the U.S. immigration system, plagued by backlogs, remains untouched, but the price tag for
entry just keeps climbing. What's next, a 'convenience fee' for escaping state-sponsored violence?