Expert Answer: For first-time asylum-based EAD applications (category C08), there is no filing fee, so Form I-912 (fee waiver request) is not needed. However, for EAD renewals, a fee waiver may be requested if you meet financial hardship criteria.
As for applying for asylum under a Trump administration, immigration policies may become stricter, but asylum remains a legal right under U.S. and international law. If eligible, it is still possible to apply, but policies regarding processing times and enforcement could change. Consulting an immigration attorney can help you navigate potential policy shifts.
