The U.S. government began this Tuesday to accept only electronic payments for paper forms, a measure that eliminates the use of checks and money orders in immigration procedures.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is implementing this measure, which requires payment by credit or debit card using Form G-1450, or by direct bank debit (ACH) through Form G-1650, for the different services it provides.
With this measure, USCIS will stop accepting checks and money orders as payment methods, a common practice for decades in immigration processes, including naturalization, status adjustments, employment visa applications, and others.
The measure could create additional obstacles for some undocumented immigrants and other applicants who do not have access to electronic payment systems in the U.S.
Meanwhile, the agency, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), explained that the transition seeks to "increase security and efficiency in the handling of public funds".
In a statement, the body warned that applications submitted with checks after this Tuesday may be rejected for lack of payment.
In 2025, USCIS has been embroiled in controversies due to allegations of visa restrictions for transgender women and for allowing its agents to assess whether applicants in various processes have made comments or engaged in "anti-Americanist" behavior.
