Becoming a United States citizen could become considerably more expensive if a new proposal from the Trump administration is ultimately approved.
The rule, released for public comment, seeks to align naturalization fees with the full costs of processing applications, including enhanced screening and vetting measures.
Critics warn that it could make the path to citizenship more difficult for lower-income applicants and place a greater share of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' operating expenses directly on those seeking naturalization.
The proposed changes would impact hundreds of thousands of lawful permanent residents annually, with the cost of applying for U.S. citizenship increasing by 75%.
The general paper filing fee would rise from $760 to $1,330, while the fee for requesting reconsideration before an appeals board would increase from $830 to $1,475.
