Values Over Dollars: Fair Path to Citizenship!

U.S. citizenship is an invaluable privilege. But this privilege is more attainable for only some, rather than all hardworking immigrants. The fee to apply for citizenship has increased from $400 to $675--a whopping 69 percent! In addition, the fees to apply for permanent residence now total an astounding $1010. Fee waivers are offered, but low-income applicants are consistently denied.

While it is reasonable to expect a fee, the $675 is disproportionate to living standards. The fee has increased by 610 percent in the past ten years, while the minimum wage has only increased by 27 percent.

This increase in fees:
--Deters from the ideals behind American citizenship, rewarding wealth over loyalty and integrity.
--Discriminates against lower-income immigrants, undermining the American values of equality and justice.
--Prohibits immigrants who have resided in the U.S. for years, paid taxes and abided by the laws to vote and participate in a democracy.

The U.S. has long been a land for immigrants to come together and contribute, but these fees only create more barriers to integration. It's time for a fair and equal path to citizenship. Call for lower fees and proper allocation of funds of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.