US proposes up to 75 percent increase in naturalisation fees

Washington (ANTARA) - The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed on Monday (22/6) an increase in citizenship application fees of approximately 75 per cent, rising from $760 (Rp13.5 million) to $1,330 (Rp24 million), according to notes published in the Federal Register.

“The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposes to adjust the fees charged by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for Form N-400 and Form N-336, to end the fee reduction option for Form N-400, and the availability of fee waivers for both forms,” the document stated.

Applicants for Form N-400 (green card holders) will be required to pay $1,330 (Rp24 million) for manual submissions and $1,280 (Rp23 million) for online applications.

Fees for Form N-336 (applicants whose naturalisation was previously denied) are set at $1,475 (Rp26 million) for manual submissions and $1,425 (Rp25 million) for online applications, according to the records.

The proposed changes will affect hundreds of thousands of legal permanent residents annually, potentially delaying the naturalisation of low-income immigrants, Newsweek reported on Monday.

“This proposal represents a significant shift in the cost of becoming a US citizen… the substantial increase in naturalisation fees risks turning citizenship into a less affordable benefit for those with low incomes,” said a former DHS official to Newsweek.

Earlier this month, the US Department of State stated it would offer expedited interview appointments for tourist and business visa seekers upon payment of an additional $750 (Rp13 million).

In May, the US adopted a new approach to granting domestic residency permits, which are now only granted in extraordinary circumstances, according to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).