Transparency & Impact

Who We Are

Paper & Pulse is a 501(c)(3) public charity founded to help cover the federal filing fees that stand between immigrants and their day in court. We do not provide legal representation. We pay filing fees — the ones that have gone up faster than almost anyone realizes.

Our Legal Status

  • Legal name: Paper & Pulse
  • EIN: 41-4032490
  • Exempt under: IRC § 501(c)(3), effective January 29, 2026
  • Public charity classification: 509(a)(2)
  • Contribution deductibility: Donations made on or after January 29, 2026 are tax-deductible under IRC § 170.

Our IRS determination letter is on file and has been shared publicly. If you'd like a copy for your records, contact us and we'll send it.

Why Filing Fees, Specifically

Since H.R.1 (the One Big Beautiful Bill Act) took effect, the cost of pursuing an immigration case in court has increased dramatically — and for the first time, asylum seekers face an annual fee with no waiver available for anyone, regardless of income.

Filing Before H.R.1 Now (FY2026)
Asylum application (I-589) $0 $100
Annual asylum fee did not exist $102/year — no waiver permitted
Cancellation of removal (non-LPR) $130 $1,640 + $30/person biometrics
Cancellation of removal (LPR) $130 $710 + $30/person biometrics
BIA appeal $110 $1,030
TPS application in court $50 $510

Sources: DOJ EOIR Forms & Fees; Federal Register FY2026 inflation adjustment (effective Feb 1, 2026); 8 CFR Part 106.

Where Your Money Goes

100% of net proceeds from donations and merchandise sales go toward filing fees for people who cannot otherwise afford them. Here is our actual giving breakdown to date:

  • Donations: $5,335 (94.7% of funds raised)
  • Merchandise (net): $297 (5.3% of funds raised)

Our goal is $50,000 — a fund large enough to open a real application process for fee assistance rather than helping case by case as money comes in. We are not there yet, and we are telling you that plainly.

What We Are Not

To be fully clear about our scope:

  • Paper & Pulse does not provide legal representation, legal advice, or case strategy of any kind.
  • We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of USCIS, EOIR, the Department of Justice, or any other government agency. This site is not a government form or portal.
  • Merchandise purchases are retail transactions, not charitable gifts, unless the item is priced above fair market value and the deductible portion is disclosed in writing at the time of sale. We will tell you plainly on any such listing if that applies.

Questions

If you'd like more detail on our finances, our determination letter, or how a specific gift was used, contact us — we will answer directly.

Donate here