GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced in January that many application fees will be increasing, starting on April 1.
"I think that these fee increases are going to create more hesitancy in people applying for changes in their immigration status," said Nicole Iraola, director for Immigration Legal Services at the Diocese of Grand Rapids.
Fees for paper naturalization and green card applications will be increasing by 19% and 26%.
"If they increase the fees, and the fees become too high for the clients to apply, then they might not apply for something that they would be eligible for," said Iraola, adding that her greatest concern is accessibility regarding access to naturalization and permanent residency status, also referred to as a green card.
Iraola explains that the expected rise in costs has caused many of her clients to try and submit their applications before the new fees take effect on April 1, and that she is concerned it may result in individuals seeking unqualified assistance and complications in the application process.
Both paper and online filing for an application for naturalization will increase from $725 with biometric service to $760.
The cost of applying for permanent residence with biometric service will increase from $1,225 to $1,540.
"USCIS is trying to create an incentive for applying online and using their online system, but unfortunately the online system isn't always reliable," explained Iraola, saying that the online portal for immigration attorneys can oftentimes not function properly. "If there is a rush to file online, and lots of people now try to use the already inconsistent system, it might lead to more backlogs and more delays for processing."
She says an increase in fees can add another burden on families and individuals who have to cover other expenses that can become involved in the application process, such as translation services, medical exams, and traveling to Detroit to be interviewed.
Iraola says she is also currently assisting a family of five who are looking to attain permanent residency status, but the fees after April 1 will add another $1,000 to their total cost.
The USCIS stated in a press release that the new fees are meant to better meet the needs of the agency:
“'For the first time in over seven years, USCIS is updating our fees to better meet the needs of our agency, enabling us to provide more timely decisions to those we serve,' said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. 'Despite years of inadequate funding, the USCIS workforce has made great strides in customer service, backlog reduction, implementing new processes and programs, and upholding fairness, integrity, and respect for all we serve.'”
The new changes also included expanded fee exemptions for victims of human trafficking, crime, and domestic violence.
Iraola says she and others who offer immigration legal services are encouraging those looking to become U.S. citizens or green card holders to apply before April 1.
She also encourages people to seek legal advice regarding their own unique cases.
"I always encourage people to speak with an attorney about their case, because every single case is different, depending on a lot of arbitrary things. So what worked for somebody, or somebody's friend, might not work for you."
For USCIS frequently asked questions and the new fee schedule table (listed as NPRM fees) click here.
For a list of Immigration Attorneys in Michigan, click here.