Women Watch Afrika, Inc. opposes the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) proposed drastic Fee Increase Rule. This proposed rule would outrageously and drastically raise the costs of immigration benefits opportunities while simultaneously reducing access to immigrant benefits for low-income and vulnerable immigrants.
Fundamentally, this proposed rule would allow immigration authorities to drastically restrict access to citizenship through financial means. Outrageously, the administration has proposed an 83 percent increase to the naturalization application fee – raising it from $640 to a whopping $1,170!.
This proposed rule would undermine access to critical and vital immigration benefits for certain lawful immigrants and their families, thereby damaging their ability to live their lives in and with dignity.
Simultaneously, while the administration is seeking this outrageous and drastic historic increases in the fee for naturalization and other benefits, it is also planning to completely cut-off access to immigration and naturalization for certain people by eliminating well-established fee waivers–preventing individuals from applying for public benefits that they are LEGALLY eligible for and allowed to receive. These waivers allow qualifying, low-income and vulnerable individuals who meet USCIS legal requirements to maintain their immigration status or take the next step to become a permanent resident or citizen. Elimination of the waiver program will put people at risk of potentially losing their immigration status and make them vulnerable to deportation.
This is yet another attack on the American Dream for immigrants.
The effects of this rule would be felt not only by non-citizens but also by their United States citizen and lawful permanent resident family members.
The proposed rule would also increase application fees for lawful permanent residency, DACA, certain asylum claims, and several other applications. Additionally, it would transfer $207 million from USCIS to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for enforcement purposes.
If this rule was put into place, it would be nearly impossible for low and working-class immigrants to apply for naturalization, preventing them from becoming fully integrated and participating members of our society.
Implementation of this rule would undermine family unity, family stability, and presents threats to public health and life. Family unity is a basic/core Human Rights value. And eliminating the opportunity for otherwise qualified individuals to become fully integrated and participating members of the society is wrong.
We must speak up against any rule or institution that hinders positive growth, family unity, stability, and reunification. We must speak up against all discriminatory, racist, and xenophobic rules and ideology.
Join Women Watch Afrika in opposing this proposed rule. Make your comments opposing this rule directly to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) here: Say NO to the proposed OUTRAGEOUS Fee Increase rule The deadline for comments is December 16th, 2019 at noon (12 p.m.)
An injury to one, is an injury to all. This is an attack on immigrant families. Immigrant Rights are Human Rights. We say No to this proposed rule!
Glory Kilanko
Glory Kilanko
Founder and Executive Director
Women Watch Afrika, Inc.
P. O. Box 208
Avondale Estates, GA 30002
Tel:(404)759-6419
Email:gloryk_99@yahoo.com
Website:www.womenwatchafrika.org
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As an expert in this field, Women Watch Afrika provides trainings as a consultant on the issue. For more information on training, guidance, consulting services, and/or information on working with immigrant communities contact Glory Kilanko, Founder and Executive Director, Women Watch Afrika, Inc. at 404-759-6419 or womenwatchafrika@gmail.com
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