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US Citizenship Requests Tumble

Come on, why wouldn't you want to live here?

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 16, 2009 7:23 AM CDT

(Newser) – It seems fewer people want to hop into the American melting pot these days, as applications for citizenship have fallen off a cliff, the Dallas Morning News reports. After receiving a record 1.4 million requests from legal residents looking to becoming naturalized in fiscal year 2007, US Citizenship and Immigration Services got just 518,000 applications in 2008. “We are seeing the effect of the economy,” said an agency deputy director.

But some believe it’s not just the economy at work. “In July 2007, the government raised their filing fees by 60%,” said one immigration lawyer. “In this economic climate, it is the fees that have reduced demands.” That applies for visas as well; a company hoping to hire a worker on a H-1B work visa will have to shell out $3,320 to do so.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services building is shown Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008 in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

A walkway leading into the US Citizenship and Immigration Services building is empty Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008 in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

A man walks along Mexico's side of the US-Mexico border fence in this file photo. (AP Photo/Guillermo Arias)

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US Citizenship Requests Tumble

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Illegal Population to Boom if We Kill 14th Amendment

5M US-born illegal residents by 2050

Arizona's Next Target: Kids Born in US to Illegals

GOP wants to deny citizenship to 'anchor babies'

Congressman Calls for End to 'Birthright Citizenship'

Says policy encourages illegal immigration

Lost Children of Vietnam War Seek Their Place

Amerasians, shunted aside in both cultures, want citizenship

Citizenship Fees Up, Applications Down

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

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US Citizenship Requests Tumble

Come on, why wouldn't you want to live here?

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

immigration • Citizenship and Immigration Services • US citizenship

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Illegal Population to Boom if We Kill 14th Amendment

5M US-born illegal residents by 2050

Arizona's Next Target: Kids Born in US to Illegals

GOP wants to deny citizenship to 'anchor babies'

Congressman Calls for End to 'Birthright Citizenship'

Says policy encourages illegal immigration

Lost Children of Vietnam War Seek Their Place

Amerasians, shunted aside in both cultures, want citizenship

Citizenship Fees Up, Applications Down

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

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Newser By Users

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