Proposed Changes to U.S. Naturalization Application Fees
關於美國入籍申請費擬議變更
Introduction
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has proposed new rules to increase the fees for legal immigrants who want to become citizens. Additionally, the agency plans to remove most of the discounts and fee waivers currently available.
美國公民及移民服務局 (USCIS) 已提出新規定，擬調高希望入籍的合法移民所需支付的費用。此外，該機構計劃取消目前提供的大多數折扣與費用豁免。
Main Body
The proposed changes involve a significant increase in the costs for Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) and Form N-336 (Request for Hearing). For example, paper applications for Form N-400 would rise from $760 to $1,330, while online applications would increase from $710 to $1,280. Similarly, Form N-336 fees would rise to $1,475 for paper and $1,425 for online filings. Furthermore, the government intends to end fee waivers and reduced-fee options for low-income applicants, although military personnel will still be exempt.
擬議的變更涉及 N-400 表格（入籍申請書）與 N-336 表格（聽證會請求）的成本大幅增加。例如，N-400 表格的紙本申請費將從 760 美元增加至 1,330 美元，而線上申請費則從 710 美元增加至 1,280 美元。同樣地，N-336 表格的費用對於紙本申請將升至 1,475 美元，線上提交則為 1,425 美元。此外，政府打算取消低收入申請人的費用豁免與減費選項，但軍方人員仍可獲豁免。
This policy is a major change from previous administrations, which kept fees low to help immigrants integrate into society. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) emphasized that the current system is no longer sustainable because other immigration services are paying for the naturalization process. The administration asserted that because U.S. citizenship is so valuable, applicants should pay the full cost of the process. Consequently, these price hikes come at the same time as stricter background checks, including the return of 'neighborhood checks' and a closer look at an applicant's 'good moral character' to prevent fraud.
此政策與先前政府的方針有重大差異，先前政府透過維持低費用來幫助移民融入社會。美國國土安全部 (DHS) 強調，目前的系統已不再具有永續性，因為其他移民服務正在為入籍程序買單。政府聲稱，由於美國公民身份極具價值，申請人應支付整個程序的全部成本。因此，在漲價的同時，政府將實施更嚴格的背景調查，包括恢復「鄰里調查」並更仔細地審視申請人的「良好道德品格」以防止欺詐。
Conclusion
The proposal is now open for a 60-day public comment period before the government decides if it will be finalized and put into effect.
該提案目前開放為期 60 天的公眾評論期，隨後政府將決定是否將其定案並正式生效。
Vocabulary Learning
🚀 From 'And' to 'Furthermore': Mastering Logical Flow
At the A2 level, you likely connect ideas using and, but, and because. To reach B2, you need Connectors of Addition and Result. These words act like bridges, making your writing sound professional rather than like a list of simple sentences.
🛠 The Upgrade Path
Look at how the text moves from simple addition to formal progression:
-
The 'Plus' Step The 'Professional' Step
- A2 Style: The fees are going up and the discounts are going away.
- B2 Style: The agency plans to increase fees. Additionally, it plans to remove most discounts.
-
The 'Also' Step The 'Expanding' Step
- A2 Style: Form N-400 is more expensive. Also, Form N-336 is more expensive.
- B2 Style: Costs for Form N-400 would rise. Similarly, Form N-336 fees would rise.
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The 'So' Step The 'Consequence' Step
- A2 Style: Citizenship is valuable, so people should pay more.
- B2 Style: Citizenship is so valuable; consequently, applicants should pay the full cost.
💡 Pro-Tip: The "Comma Rule"
Notice a pattern? In the article, words like Additionally, Similarly, and Consequently always start a sentence and are followed by a comma.
Formula: [Connector] + [ , ] + [Complete Sentence]
⚡ Quick Reference for your Transition
| Avoid (A2) | Try This (B2) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| And / Also | Furthermore | Adding a stronger point |
| In the same way | Similarly | Comparing two like things |
| So | Consequently | Showing a direct result |