If you are currently going through an asylum process in the U.S., it’s important to be aware of the annual asylum fee that the government introduced recently. From my experience and what I gathered from official sources, everyone with a pending asylum application must pay this fee annually to keep their case active. The fee is $102, and even if your asylum case has been pending for many years, the requirement still applies. To determine whether you need to pay the fee, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provide a tool where you can check your status using your Alien Number (A-Number). This A-Number is a unique identifier beginning with the letter “A,” followed by 7 to 9 digits, which you can find on any communication or documents from USCIS or the immigration court. If you don’t have the full 9-digit number, zeros will be added automatically when entering it into the system. A practical tip is to keep your A-Number and all communication from the immigration authorities organized, so you can easily access it when needed. Once you verify your eligibility and payment obligation, payments can be done through the official EOIR payment portal designed for asylum fee submissions. Remember to use the correct forms and double-check the payment amount to avoid delays in your case. Many in the immigrant community have found this process a bit confusing at first, but using the official government websites and support forums tagged with #uscis, #eoir, and #inusmigantes can be very helpful. In my journey, connecting with Latino support groups and forums has provided insights and updates on any changes to fee policies or reminders to avoid missing payment deadlines. Lastly, be mindful of deadlines and keep digital or printed receipts of your payments. The annual fee is a critical part of maintaining your asylum application in good standing, and missing payments can lead to case closures or complications in your immigration status.