Immigration Services and Naturalization


WHAT'S NEW

USCIS Announces Final Fee Structure

On May 29, 2007, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a final fee structure that sharply increases citizenship and other immigration filing fees, but includes benefits for some families with children and also expands the availability of fee waivers and exemptions. A comprehensive review of more than 3,900 public comments prompted USCIS to reduce fees for some families applying for adjustment of status, expand fee waiver and exemption eligibility, and permit one free extension of approved orphan petitions. Click here to read comments submitted by HIAS President and CEO Gideon Aronoff.

On February 1, USCIS proposed an increase in the application fee for citizenship. Under the proposal, citizenship application fees would be increased from $400 to $675, an increase of 69%. Other immigration filing fees would be increased by an average of 66%. As a result, fees for a family of four hoping to naturalize would be prohibitive. Click here to read HIAS' press release opposing the proposed increase, citing the impact it will have on immigrants, particularly those in low income
families.

Posted June 1, 2007

Bill Promoting Citizenship Introduced in Congress

On March 7, 2007, Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) and Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) introduced legislation to promote citizenship opportunities for immigrants and to remove certain barriers to naturalization. The “Citizenship Promotion Act of 2007” would include the following provisions:

  • Freezing the Administration’s plan to raise immigration service fees until the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identifies the true costs associated with providing the services;
  • Providing for uniform administration of the naturalization test and ensuring that the test reflects the unique circumstances of the tested population and the purposes of the statutory naturalization requirements;
  • Making optional the use of electronic filing systems for permanent residence and citizenship applications;
  • Requiring the Department of Justice to complete background checks in a timely fashion for citizenship applicants; and
  • Establishing the “New Americans Initiative” to increase funding for English and civics classes, legal assistance, public education, and application help.

Click here to read HIAS’ press release supporting introduction and passage of the “Citizenship Promotion Act of 2007.”

Posted March 8, 2007

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

HIAS’ policy on immigration is based on the inherent belief
in human rights. This belief has led HIAS to strive to end the persecution of
individuals and to offer refuge, and the legal protection of the United States,
to many of its victims. After more than 125 years of operation, HIAS continues
rescuing, resettling and reuniting oppressed people from all over the world.

Please visit our Immigration Help page for more information about Immigration Services and Naturalization.

HIAS Statements and Press Releases

HIAS Policy Resolutions

Additional Resources