Leaders of a Native American tribal nation that spans the Arizona-Mexico border say a new fee imposed by Homeland Security could impact tribal members who live across the border.
An Oct. 16 release from DHS announces non-U.S. citizens who are crossing the border at ports of entry will now be subject to a $1,000 fee for entering the U.S. using parole.
Parole is a far-reaching authority that allows noncitizens to enter the U.S. at an official border crossing on a temporary, sometimes emergency basis. It’s been used for large-scale programs — like the ones for Ukrainians fleeing the Russian conflict, and Afghans who worked with the U.S. and were evacuated from their country when American troops departed.
It’s also used on case-by-case bases, like if a Mexican citizen needs to come to the U.S. to care for a sick family member.
The Tohono O’odham Nation has roughly 34,000 members, according to the tribe, including more than 2,000 who live in Mexico and may not have U.S. citizenship.
Tohono O’odham Chairman Verlon Jose said the tribe is working to get more information about the new fee. He said Mexican tribal members rely on parole to cross into Arizona for medical care, religious practices and other activity, and that the new law causes significant harm.
