USCIS fee increase

In February,2007 the United States Citizen and Immigration Service (USCIS) announced a proposal for an increase in the fees charged for all visas, immigration and naturalization applications.Fortunately, my wife has her 10 year "green card" and needs only to apply for citizenship.She can apply for citizenship after our 3rd anniversary on June 4th of this year.

According to what I've read, the increase will go into effect "mid June". If we can apply before the increase the cost will be $330 plus $70 if additional biometrics are needed.When the increase goes into effect, the cost will jump to $600 plus $80 biometrics.

I found a list of the amounts on the NAFSA website. I copied the list and put it here.The differences are incredible, to say the least.I think one of the unexpected consequences of all this will be a further clogging of the Immigration system.The number of "green card" holders who will file for citizenship before the changes go into effect will cause another burden on a system that is already out of kilter.

I think anyone expecting this to stop illegal immigration will be sadly mistaken....it will only harm those who are playing by the book and following the rules.USCIS is already under-staffed and the increase in the number of permanent residents applying for citizenship before the dead-line will just add to the problem.