The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services had planned to increase the cost of becoming a permanent resident or citizen. However, a federal judge in California blocked the planned fee increases saying that the two previous Department of Homeland Security secretaries had been improperly promoted to the role. The judge also ruled that the government failed to justify its decision to increase the cost of obtaining legal status in the country.
Foreign nationals would need to pay to obtain asylum
For the first time in the country’s history, those seeking asylum in the United States would have to pay a $50 application fee. Individuals requesting protection from violence in their home countries would also be required to pay a $550 fee to obtain work authorization.
The cost to obtain citizenship would increase by about 20%
If the new rule were implemented, individuals who wanted to become a United States citizen would pay an average of $1,170 to do so. Currently, it costs an average of $640 to obtain United States citizenship. Those who cannot afford to pay filing or other fees associated with obtaining legal status in the country may ask that they be waived. However, under the new USICS rule, it would be much harder to obtain a waiver.
If you are seeking to become a United States citizen, an immigration attorney might be able to help you reach that goal. An attorney may provide information about the naturalization process and how to schedule a citizenship test. Legal counsel might also talk more about the cost of becoming a citizen and what those fees typically cover. After completing the naturalization process, you are granted the same rights as other Americans, and you may be given the opportunity to sponsor family members who want to join you in the United States.