Keep up with important immigration issues.
August Immigration Issues Report
The current administration continues to hammer away at the US citizenship application process. A recent “adjustment” removes the opportunity to request a Fee Waiver (not pay any application fee) or the Reduced Fee Waiver (only pay a partial application fee). The current application fee is $760, or $710 if you apply online. In the past, an applicant could apply for one of the waivers after proving their financial need. For many individuals, the possibility of not paying the fee or only paying part means the difference between applying for citizenship or not. Qualification depended on income below the federal poverty level, proven receipt of a “means tested benefit,” a government benefit such as SNAP, SSI assistance, Medicaid, etc. The validity of an applicant’s need was easily proven by the submission of their most recent IRS forms or actual documents indicating approval for one or more of the government benefits. Many immigrants and refugees who would ordinarily qualify to apply for citizenship can no longer do so because they are unable to pay the $760.00 fee.
Federal Register - June 23, 2026
The most recent change from USCIS - US Citizenship and Immigration Services - has to do with the issue of “public charge”. During the Biden administration, a citizenship applicant could successfully become a citizen even if they were receiving a government benefit from a limited list. The Department of Homeland Security has now issued a “final rule” that will allow USCIS officers to assess an application based on their “assumption” that the applicant may become dependent on government benefits once they are allowed to stay in the US. How is a USCIS officer to make an objective decision that the person may (or may not) become a public charge?
Rationales don’t usually accompany these changes to procedure. However, this rule stated that “The Trump administration is upholding the rule of law….and safeguarding the safety, security, and financial well-being of Americans.”
USCIS Bulletin - July 17, 2026
Anne Hatke, Immigration Committee
