Immigration is a hot topic. People die trying to cross harsh conditions to reach the United States. However, some citizens in US-Mexico border states are concerned about the increasing numbers of people crossing the borders illegally. Estimates suggest there may be as many as 20 million illegal immigrants living in the United States. Despite these record numbers, and almost like clockwork, amnesty bills reach Congress to debate. The latest amnesty bill suggests these people will return to their homes and apply for citizenship.
As Congress fusses with the latest amnesty bill, an announcement by The Twig administration is causing quite the stir - the cost of citizenship papers will more than double to $675 from $330. Additional increases are proposed. For example, the price for a green card will rise to $930 from $325. There has not been an increase in US immigrant application fees since 1998. However, the reasons for the proposed increases are claimed to help speed up the process of the applications, pay for technology, improve facilities, and hiring more people. There is most likely hidden salary increases, too.
Will these fees block the poor from the ability to pay for citizenship? Will this increase the number of people who will forgo the paperwork and simply continue to work under the table? Is the proposal for increases merely a means to distract from the amnesty bill?
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05-30-2007, 03:36 AM
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