When Immigration Matters

Increase in U.S. Citizenship Applications in 2009

Posted by Michael Pollak on Tue, Nov 24, 2009 @ 6:42 PM

The number of legal immigrants applying for citizenship rose this year nationally.  The increase comes despite sharply higher application fees and the economic downturn, which have combined to make it more difficult for immigrants to afford to apply for citizenship. The increase also follows a year in which applications fell.  Although applications rose 11 percent in fiscal 2009, their number remains among the lowest in several years. Officials say applications could fall again if fees are increased next year to help cover budget shortfalls.

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GOP Candidate Whitman Supports Path to Citizenship

Posted by Michael Pollak on Thu, Oct 29, 2009 @ 3:03 PM
Californian Republican gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman voices her opinion on immigration policy issues yesterday, saying it is "simply not practical" to deport the estimated 12.5 million illegal immigrants living and working in the United States.

Whitman supports a solution that allows illegal immigrants to live here legally. "Can we get a fair program where people stand at the back of the line, they pay a fine, they do some things that would ultimately allow a path to legalization?" she asked.

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U.S. Immigration Flat

Posted by Michael Pollak on Tue, Oct 06, 2009 @ 4:18 PM

Statistics released by the U.S. Census Bureau show that after nearly 40 years of recorded increases, the number of immigrants living in the United States remained flat between 2007 and 2008.

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USCIS Financial Challenges Driving Possible Fee Increases

Posted by Michael Pollak on Fri, Sep 25, 2009 @ 8:41 AM
A $118 million shortfall resulting from a drop in citizenship applications and skilled worker visas is causing concern among immigrant advocate groups.  The agency, which is now required by law to be self-supporting is considering the fee increases and budget cuts next year.  The high cost of citizenship will put a strain on low and moderate income permanent residents seeking naturalization.  In addition, the shortfalls could adversely impact the agencies ability to support the possibility of legislation that could cause millions of undocumented applicants applying for legalization.  Read more in an LA Times article by Teresa Wanabe and Anne Gorman.
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Immigrant Applications to Become US Citizens Plunge as Fees Increase

Posted by Michael Pollak on Sat, Sep 12, 2009 @ 1:33 PM
The number of immigrants applying to become U.S. citizens plunged 62 percent last year as the cost of naturalization rose.  In late 2007, the application cost increased from $330 to $595, plus an $80 fee for computerized fingerprinting. Partly in anticipation of the price increase, 1.38 million people filed applications in 2007, creating a backlog that nearly tripled the average processing time.  Citing a decline in real median income among non-citizens in recent years, a recent analysis said that "eligible applicants face mounting economic pressures that threaten to place naturalization out of reach." Shouldn't the government do more to ease the way for would-be citizens through fee defrayment, information workshops and English classes. These permanent residents are paying the same taxes as U.S. citizens and should have the privilege of becoming U.S. Citizens without having to pay these exhorbitant fees.   
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