Could Green Card Holders Pay Nearly Twice as Much for US Citizenship Under Trump’s New Plan?
The Department of Homeland Security has proposed substantial increases to US naturalisation application fees, including the removal of reduced-fee options and fee waivers for low-income applicants.
Under the proposal, the cost of filing Form N-400, the Application for Naturalisation, would rise from $760 to $1,330 for paper applications and from $710 to $1,280 for online submissions. Fees for Form N-336, used to request a hearing after a naturalisation application is denied, would also increase from $830 to $1,475 for paper filings and from $780 to $1,425 for online filings.
The proposed changes would also end existing fee reductions and fee waivers. At present, applicants with household incomes at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may qualify for a reduced fee of $380, while some applicants are eligible for a full fee waiver.
If approved, the new rules would require all applicants to pay the full amount.
DHS said the increases are intended to address funding shortfalls. The department stated that the current gap is covered through fees paid by applicants seeking other immigration benefits.
For many lawful permanent residents, naturalisation marks the final step in a lengthy immigration process. Eligibility generally requires five years of continuous residence in the United States, or three years for those married to US citizens. Applicants must also demonstrate good moral character, pass an English language assessment and complete a civics test.
US citizenship provides several benefits, including the right to vote, increased protection from deportation and eligibility for certain federal government positions.
The proposed fee increases could have a significant impact on low-income immigrants.
Opponents argue that higher costs may make citizenship less accessible for applicants with limited financial resources. Supporters maintain that the fees more accurately reflect the cost of processing applications and help ensure the financial stability of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The proposal highlights ongoing debates over immigration policy and the balance between funding government services and maintaining access to citizenship. Immigration advocacy organisations and legal experts are expected to scrutinise the changes as the rulemaking process continues.
If adopted, the new fee structure would increase the cost of becoming a US citizen and could affect how many eligible permanent residents choose to apply for naturalisation.
