Google
 

You agree not to post, copy or reproduce any portion of the NPTE or any individual questions contained within the various versions of the NPTE


Monday, July 16, 2007

Immigrants rush to beat higher application fees
By Emily Bazar, USA TODAY

Immigrants are rushing to apply for citizenship, green cards and other benefits before hefty fee increases kick in at the end of the month.

Starting July 30, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will raise application fees an average of 66%. In many cases, the new fees are hundreds of dollars higher. Applying for citizenship will jump to $675 from $400, which includes a fee for photos and fingerprinting. Eligible immigrants who want to become legal permanent residents, known as green-card holders, will pay $1,010 rather than $395.

The prospect of higher fees has fueled a mad dash.

In the first eight months of this fiscal year, the immigration service received 711,538 citizenship applications — nearly as many as in all of last year.

Maria Castro, 29, a green-card holder from Mexico, applied for citizenship in May. "In May I didn't have a job," says Castro of Houston. "I said, 'If I don't do it now, I won't be able to do it when the fees go up.' "
FIND MORE STORIES IN: Mexico | Immigrants | Immigration Services | USCIS

Castro has since landed a job with the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials advising immigrants on citizenship applications. She says 95% tell her they applied to beat the fee hike. "It's really motivating people."

USCIS spokesman Bill Wright says the fee increase is only one reason applications are up.

"More and more people want to become part of the American fabric and part of the American dream," he says.

Fees are supposed to cover USCIS' operating and processing costs, Wright says, but the current ones don't. The increase is meant to make up the shortfall and reduce backlogs, he says. The last fee increase was in October 2005.

The failure last month of a bill to overhaul the immigration system inspired Angel Alvarez, 25, to apply for citizenship. Alvarez, a Whittier, Calif., real estate agent who has been a legal permanent resident for 15 years, came to the USA from Mexico. He was eligible to apply for citizenship five years after getting his green card but says he was fearful of losing his Mexican identity. Now, Alvarez says, he sees his future here.

He wants to participate in the political process, advocate for immigration changes and represent other immigrants who are unable to vote. "I'm looking forward to voting and having a voice in my country."


http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-07-15-immigrant-applications_N.htm

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Physio - Professional experienced physiotherapists in Howick Recreation Centre. General and sports physiotherapy including sports massage. Call us today,physio