Immigrants contribute so much to the strength and betterment of our communities across our state and nation. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to thrive in the place they call home.
However, last month the administration proposed a new rule that targets low-income and working class immigrants by dramatically increasing application fees for citizenship, asylum, work permits, and other forms of immigration status.
The rule, if implemented, would:
- increase citizenship application fees from $640 to $1,170;
- create a $50 fee for filing certain asylum applications and make asylum seekers pay $490 for a work permit;
- increase the cost of DACA renewals from $495 to $765;
- eliminate fee waivers for citizenship, lawful permanent residency, employment authorization, and other applications;
- transfer $112 million in applications fees from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for enforcement purposes, including denaturalization.
We’ve seen the numerous attacks on asylum seekers and refugees, program terminations for many immigrant groups, and a call to build one large wall at the southern border of the United States and Mexico, but this is not the only wall violating our shared values.
The administration is quietly building an ‘Invisible Wall’ (also known as the ‘Second Wall’) between the dream of U.S citizenship and eligible residents.
SUBMIT A COMMENT
The proposed rule is not in effect yet, but, if implemented, threatens access to citizenship and other forms of relief based on wealth and class. Submit a comment opposing the fee increases! Deadline to submit comments is December 30.
SUPPORT THE NEW DEAL FOR NEW AMERICANS ACT
Call your House of Representatives and urge them to vote in support of the New Deal for New Americans Act. Introduced by U.S. Representatives. Grace Meng (NY), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL), Pramila Jayapal (WA), the bill resets a path forward on immigration and honors America’s history and strength in diversity by laying out a proactive, visionary roadmap to help immigrants and refugees navigate their adopted homeland and become a full and integral part of our shared social, economic, and civic life.
District 1 – Rep. Jeff Fortenberry 402-438-1598
District 2 – Rep. Don Bacon 402-938-0300
District 3 – Rep. Adrian Smith 308-384-3900
Click here to find your U.S. Representative
SHARE WHY YOU SUPPORT IMMIGRANTS AND REFUGEES
Speak out against these egregious attacks on immigrants and refugees and share why you believe welcoming newcomers benefits our communities in Nebraska. Tag us @neappleseed with the hashtag #NewDealforNewAmericans.