Overview
- DHS published a proposed rule on Monday that would raise naturalization fees to $1,330 for paper filings and $1,280 for online filings from the current $760 and $710 levels.
- The proposal would eliminate most fee waivers and a reduced-fee option tied to 400% of the federal poverty line while preserving exemptions for service members.
- USCIS would also raise the fee to request reconsideration of a denied citizenship application by $645 under the plan.
- The changes are part of a formal notice-and-comment rulemaking process and will not take effect unless the agency finalizes the rule after a 60-day public comment period.
- Because USCIS is largely funded by fees, DHS says the move will better cover processing costs, but advocates warn higher charges and lost waivers could cut naturalization rates and make citizenship harder for low- and moderate-income applicants.