Becoming a United States citizen may soon become significantly more expensive for lawful permanent residents, as the Trump administration has proposed a major increase in naturalization application fees.
According to a new rule released for public comment, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to raise the standard citizenship application fee by 75%, increasing it from $760 to $1,330. The proposal is part of a broader effort to align immigration fees with what officials describe as the full cost of processing applications, including enhanced security screening and vetting procedures.
Proposed Changes to Citizenship Application Fees
Under the draft rule published in the Federal Register, applicants seeking US citizenship through naturalization would face a fee increase of $570.
The proposal also includes a significant rise in appeal-related charges. The fee for requesting reconsideration before an immigration appeals board would increase from $830 to $1,475, representing an increase of nearly 78%.
The rule will not take effect immediately. Federal regulations require a public comment period before any final decision is made, meaning the changes would not be implemented for at least 60 days after publication.
Green Card Holders Could Feel the Impact
The proposed increase is expected to affect hundreds of thousands of green card holders who apply for US citizenship each year.
Immigration experts have expressed concerns that higher fees could create financial barriers for many applicants, particularly those from lower-income households.
Adam Klein, a former Department of Homeland Security official and co-founder of Globali.ai, warned that substantially increasing naturalization costs could make citizenship less accessible for people with limited financial resources.
He noted that becoming a US citizen often leads to greater economic opportunities, stronger civic participation, and long-term social integration.
DHS Defends the Fee Hike
DHS officials argue that the proposed fee adjustment is necessary because current charges do not fully cover the operational costs associated with processing naturalization applications.
According to the department, citizenship is among the most significant immigration benefits available, and the revised fee structure would help ensure that processing expenses are adequately funded.
The administration maintains that the changes are part of routine efforts to update immigration service fees and improve system efficiency.
Debate Over Accessibility and Immigration Policy
The proposal has sparked debate among immigration advocates, policymakers, and applicants.
Supporters say the fee increase reflects the true cost of processing applications and maintaining security standards. Critics, however, argue that citizenship should remain affordable and accessible, especially for immigrants who have already established long-term legal residency in the United States.
As the public comment period begins, stakeholders across the immigration system are expected to weigh in on the potential impact of the proposed changes.
If approved, the new fee structure would mark one of the largest increases in naturalization costs in recent years and could reshape the path to US citizenship for future applicants.
