New US Citizens Mark 250th Anniversary With Pride and Unease as Fees Rise to $1,330
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 3
New US Citizens Mark 250th Anniversary With Pride and Unease as Fees Rise to $1,330
1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 3
Summary
Thousands of new Americans taking the oath ahead of the US 250th anniversary say citizenship brings relief and legal protection, but also unease as immigration arrests and tougher policies reshape daily life.
Last week, the Department of Homeland Security proposed raising naturalization fees to $1,280 online or $1,330 on paper and ending fee waivers, adding to a process already slowed by longer waits and a tougher civics test since October.
Community groups say that climate is deterring some eligible permanent residents from applying at all, with fear, cost and uncertainty outweighing the promise of voting rights, easier travel and stronger status.
July 4 naturalization ceremonies at America 250 events highlight a long-running US tension: citizenship remains broadly attainable compared with some countries, even as the Trump administration narrows legal immigration and revisits denaturalization and birthright citizenship.