Dear John, 

The Trump administration is trying to make it harder for low-income immigrants to access the American Dream. A new proposal would increase the fees for crucial immigration benefits. If the changes go into effect, people will be priced out of their citizenship, lawful permanent residency (or green cards), work permits, asylum, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (or DACA) and more. Under the rule, DHS would increase the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) fees by an average of 21%, add new fees for filings, and completely eliminate some fee waivers.

On November 14, USCIS proposed significantly raising the fees on immigration applications. The proposed rule would:

• Create a new fee for DACA renewals, raising the total cost from $495 to $765.
• Increase the cost of naturalization from $640 to $1,170—an 83% increase.
• Effectively end a long-standing fee waiver program that has kept naturalization, green card renewals, and other benefits accessible.
• Introduce a new charge on asylum applications.

On top of all of this, the new rule would transfer $207.6 million that should be used for immigration and naturalization processing to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation and detention purposes.

If approved, these massive changes will transform access to naturalization, safety, and stability for millions. These harmful proposals would disproportionately affect low-income and working class people.

But, the rule hasn’t gone into effect yet. Which means we need your help to fight back. Make your voice heard: Tell USCIS to drop the paywall to the American Dream. 

The public has just days to speak out to USCIS against these proposed changes—the deadline is December 16, 2019. Many immigrants will have their immigration journeys derailed, or be denied outright from entering the country because they can’t afford it.

We know that this administration will back off terrible ideas if given significant public pressure. Use your voice to defend immigrants and help them create their own American dream.

In solidarity,

Christian Smith
Organizing Associate
Generation Progress