The process of applying for U.S. citizenship involves many things. One thing it involves is the paying of fees. Reportedly, currently, there are around $700 worth of fees associated with applying for U.S. citizenship. A recent study has indicated that the current amount of the application fees for U.S. citizenship may be discouraging many permanent residents from seeking U.S. citizenship.
Immigration reform bill has competing interests
Amidst the news of a leaked version of the White House's version of a proposed immigration reform bill, many people have not considered the implications that an overhaul would have on families. As we have posted before, the overall impetus of immigration reform is to keep families together while applicants work towards citizenship. This would be especially important for young children of undocumented immigrants, who reportedly have to sacrifice relationships with their parents as they leave the country in order to properly obtain visas.
Immigration reform and the State of the Union
In prior posts we reported on how Senate leaders announced a bipartisan plan to create a comprehensive immigration reform plan, and how President Obama hoped that lawmakers could reach an accord quickly. In this week's State of the Union address, the President formalized his ideals for what such a plan would include.
Obama lends support for immigration reform
After a bi-partisan group of senators announced their plan for immigration reform, President Obama endorsed the idea and introduced his own thoughts on the proposal. In interviews with Telemundo and Univision, the President believed that an accord could be reached this year, and that the plan introduced in the Senate was a good start.
