How Much Does It Cost to Become a US Citizen?

Many aspiring citizens wonder about the financial burden involved in obtaining US citizenship. The process often seems daunting, especially with high application fees and legal costs.

Requirements and Costs

To become a U.S. citizen, one must typically meet several requirements. These include residing in the United States for five years and obtaining a Green Card. The Green Card application alone costs $725. However, the journey to citizenship can be even more expensive.

Additionally, individuals with backgrounds that might make them appear 'unlikely' candidates due to their history may need to seek legal assistance. In such cases, hiring an attorney can extend the process significantly, often adding thousands of dollars to the overall cost. Once a Green Card is obtained, it allows individuals to work legally and pay taxes in the U.S.

The Disneyland Analogy

A friend from Kenya once quipped, 'If you want to be in Disneyland, you have to buy the tickets.' This analogy captures the essence of the process, where the cost to enter U.S. society is high.

And the costs don't stop once you become a citizen. The financial implications extend far beyond the initial application.

Fairness and Immigration Policy

While it's true that obtaining citizenship is more expensive in many countries, our current U.S. immigration and naturalization policies often feel like they are designed to defeat the very purpose of encouraging legal immigration. The process is burdensome and costly, making it a less appealing option for many.

For example, my father, who was born in Greece but spent most of his life there, paid thousands of euros to apply for Greek citizenship and was ultimately rejected. This underscores the complex nature of obtaining citizenship and the various factors that can impact the process.

Evan Edinger, an individual who has delved into the costs of becoming a British citizen, published a YouTube video titled 'The Actual Price of British Citizenship' that provides valuable comparisons.

The Financial Impact on the U.S. System

Selecting citizens who are willing and able to pay the high costs of the naturalization process inadvertently excludes many who might otherwise contribute positively to American society. The U.S. immigration system pays a heavy toll on the U.S. economy, with immigrants costing taxpayers billions of dollars each year due to healthcare, housing, food, and surgeries.

It's important to note that while there are valid concerns about illegal immigration, the overall financial burden of legal immigrants is largely misunderstood. Legal immigrants contribute to social security and other public services, and while there are occasional costs, these are far outweighed by the benefits of having a stable and compliant workforce.

For instance, the healthcare costs for one person can range from $600 to $1200 per month, depending on the healthcare plan. This specific cost does not consider other expenses such as housing, education, and living expenses. Many individuals and families are unable to afford these high costs, especially when they also need to care for their children and extended family.

The current system places an undue burden on taxpayers and public resources. It is necessary to reform our immigration policies to make the naturalization process more accessible and affordable, ensuring that those who wish to contribute to U.S. society can do so without financial strain.

Conclusion

The cost of becoming a U.S. citizen is a complex issue, deeply intertwined with our immigration policies and the financial realities of our society. While the initial expenses are significant, our current system often creates financial barriers that can prevent individuals from pursuing a pathway to citizenship. It is imperative to critically examine these costs and work towards making the process more accessible and affordable for all who wish to join the U.S. as citizens.