Want US citizenship? New DHS proposal could raise fees sharply; Indians among the most affected

Want US Citizenship? New DHS Proposal Could Sharply Increase Costs; Indians Among the Most Impacted

Want US citizenship New DHS proposal – A recent proposal by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) aims to significantly raise the cost of obtaining US citizenship, potentially burdening applicants from certain countries more than others. The plan includes raising naturalization fees and eliminating fee waivers and reduced-cost alternatives, which could alter the financial landscape for immigrants seeking citizenship.

Fee Adjustments for Citizenship Applications

Under the proposed changes, the cost of Form N-400, required by green cardholders to apply for citizenship, would increase from $760 to $1,330 for paper submissions and from $710 to $1,280 for online applications. This marks a projected rise of 75% to 80% for the respective forms, raising concerns about affordability for many.

The DHS has also introduced higher charges for Form N-336, used to challenge rejected citizenship applications. This adjustment is part of a broader effort to align fees with operational costs, according to officials.

Indian Applicants Face Greater Financial Impact

Indian nationals are projected to bear the brunt of these changes, as they remain one of the largest groups to attain US citizenship through naturalization. Data from the DHS reveals that in 2024, approximately 6% of new citizens were born in India, placing them second only to Mexico, which accounted for 13% of all new citizens that year.

Over the past five years, nearly 3.7 lakh Indians have successfully obtained US citizenship, highlighting the growing significance of this demographic in the naturalization process. The proposed fee hikes could disproportionately affect this group, particularly those with limited financial resources.

“The proposal signals a major shift in the cost barrier for becoming a US citizen,” remarked Adam Klein, a former DHS official and co-founder of Globali.ai. While USCIS operates on a fee-based model, he warned that steep increases risk making citizenship a privilege rather than a right for lower-income immigrants.

Klein further emphasized that citizenship has long been tied to economic advancement and civic involvement. “Higher fees may hinder these outcomes,” he stated, stressing the potential consequences for future applicants.

DHS Justifies Fee Increases

The DHS has defended the proposed adjustments, explaining that current fees do not fully offset the expenses of processing applications. Officials described the revisions as a standard practice to reflect actual costs.

A department representative noted that naturalization is “the most substantial benefit available to legal immigrants,” supporting the rationale behind the financial changes.

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Prakriti Deb is a journalist at Hindustan Times Digital, where she contributes to coverage of American politics, crime, sports, entertainment, and weather. Her focus lies in exploring political developments with global implications, breaking down complex issues into accessible narratives.

Previously, Deb worked with The Indian Express Digital, where she reported on international affairs. She holds a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication with a specialization in Journalism, alongside a bachelor’s in English Literature. Outside of reporting, she enjoys travel and creative pursuits such as painting, theatre, and photography, finding fulfillment in storytelling through diverse mediums.