Justice Inflated: Filing fees for naturalization will almost double in October

On Aug. 3, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published the final rule for its revised fee schedule, creating yet another barrier to citizenship. The AIDS Law Project advises folks seeking naturalization to apply before Oct. 2, when the changes take effect. Of particular concern is the increase in the naturalization application fee from $640 to $1,170. USCIS also has eliminated the option for low-income immigrants to pay a reduced fee or receive a fee waiver. Naturalization applications postmarked on or after Oct. 2 must include payment of the new fees.