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Citizenship Fees Up, Applications Down

59% decline seen after charge to would-be citizens rises from $400 to $675

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 10, 2008 11:16 AM CDT

(Newser) – Higher fees for immigrants seeking US citizenship could be responsible for a drop in applications, USA Today reports. The fee went from $400 to $675 last summer; applications are down almost 60% in the first 6 months of 2008, compared to the same period last year. “The expense has shut the door on many hard-working immigrant families,” an advocate said.

Immigration officials were quick to downplay the drop-off, saying it was a result of prospective Americans rushing to take advantage ahead of the fee hike. “We saw a lot of people who chose to file earlier than otherwise,” an official said. “We do see the numbers starting to come back up.”

A naturalization ceremony in Philadelphia.
A naturalization ceremony in Philadelphia.   (AP Photo)
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services building.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services building.   (AP Photo)
After a naturalization ceremony, new US citizens pose for photographs with members of the Philadelphia Continental Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution in Philadelphia.
After a naturalization ceremony, new US citizens pose for photographs with members of the Philadelphia Continental Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution in Philadelphia.   (AP Photo)
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