Trump Administration’s Proposed Changes to Citizenship Application Fees

The Trump administration has announced plans to raise fees for legal immigrants applying for U.S. citizenship. The proposal outlines an increase of $570 in application fees, eliminating waivers and reductions for low-income individuals.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) suggests a fee rise from $760 to $1,330 for paper applications and from $710 to $1,280 for online applications. If a citizenship request is denied, the fees to reconsider will increase by $645.

The plan removes fee waivers for citizenship applications and discounts for those earning below 400% of the federal poverty line. Service members seeking citizenship will still have exemptions.

These changes are not immediate. The proposal needs further steps in the rulemaking process, with a 60-day public comment period available before implementation.

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the fee increase aims to cover the cost of processing applications amidst heightened scrutiny. USCIS relies mainly on its fees for funding, unlike most federal agencies.

DHS noted that prior administrations maintained lower fees to encourage naturalization. The Trump administration, however, prioritizes a different approach.

The regulation mentions, “DHS no longer believes naturalization benefit requests should get lower fees at the potential expense of other immigration benefits.”

The U.S. government encourages naturalization for legal permanent residents who typically hold a green card for three or five years. Applicants must pass language and civics tests and meet several criteria, including lacking severe criminal history.

The second Trump administration aims to restrict access to legal immigration benefits by intensifying the vetting process. For citizenship applications, the requirement for “good moral character” has come under more scrutiny. They have reinstated neighborhood checks, engaging with peers of applicants.

Efforts have increased to denaturalize citizens born abroad accused of acquiring citizenship unlawfully or through deception. This includes cases of concealed criminal history in applications.