The UFW opposes yesterday's proposed 69% increase of the fees for starting the naturalization process.This fee hike puts the dream of U.S. citizenship beyond the reach of many.  We condemn this unfair and exorbitant fee...

Yesterday, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a proposal that would raise the fees for starting the naturalization process from $400 to $675, an increase of 69%.  This fee hike puts the dream of U.S. citizenship beyond the reach of many of our nation’s newcomers.  The UFW, elected officials, civic and community leaders from across Southern California, stand together to condemn this unfair and exorbitant fee increase which will put a burden on hardworking eligible legal permanent residents who wish to become U.S. citizens and participate fully in all our nation has to offer.

Right now, newcomer families across the country work tirelessly to save up the money required to pay the current $400 naturalization application cost.  Families often want to pursue U.S. citizenship by applying for naturalization at the same time.  With the increase proposed by the USCIS, a family of four would confront a bill amounting to $2,700.  An exorbitant price tag should not stand in the way of families seeking reunification and realize the American Dream.

Last week President Bush emphasized the value of upholding the nation’s tradition that welcomes and “assimilates” new arrivals.  We agree with the President and believe that our system for funding immigration services should be a partnership where applicants pay a reasonable fee for quality service.  Thus, we call on President Bush and the new Congress to address the fundamental problems in this system by providing appropriations to supplement fee revenue to cover costs of major USCIS expenses such as infrastructure investments, process enhancements and capital improvements.   We are deeply concerned that the USCIS appears reluctant to pursue new appropriations, and urge the USCIS to demonstrate leadership in this process by asking the President and Congress to include such appropriations in the federal budget. 

The proposed U.S. citizenship price tag creates a nearly insurmountable obstacle for the millions of eligible legal permanent residents who are eager to become full Americans. The fee hike is contrary to the spirit of a country that welcomes immigrants and sends newcomers the wrong message at a time when they are seeking to embrace

U.S. citizenship.  We oppose the fee hike and we urge the USCIS to take our recommendations seriously as they make their final decision about the amount of the naturalization fee.