Immigration Lines Grow In Anticipation Of Rise In Fees
EL PASO, TX -Thousands rush to processpaperworkin anticipation of next week’srisein the cost of filingimmigration documents.
Starting Monday, applications to become a permanent legal resident will increase to a little over $1,000. Previously, the cost was $395. Residents applying to become citizens will now have to pay $675 instead of $400. The figures amount to an increase of over 60%.
Officials at the Immigration and Naturalization Servicestell ABC-7 they usually receive about 300 filings for naturalization every month. In July, theyreceived more than 1,000, which they attribute to the increases.
Raymond Adams, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, said people who want to emigrate to the U.S. are usually able to pay the fees. “We understand the fees will be higher and that might be a burden for people,” he says, “but generally speaking, they are able to pay the fee.” According to him, the fees were raised to cover rising operating and processing costs.
Adrian Palacio was able to file his immigration paperwork this week. Although the fees he paid will not affect him financially, he worries about entire families being able to pay the new fees. “I only paid for my ownapplication but when you have a family of four or five people, including parents, that’s a hefty cost,” he stated. “I believe this will only hurt people’s pockets.”
In order to avoid the new fees on paperwork, applicants will have to postmark their applications by this Sunday. CIS stated applicants who cannot beat the deadline and are unable to afford the new cost will be evaluated for a possible exemption.
