"I want the USCIS to have the resources it needs to carry out its mission, but we want to encourage immigrants to become U.S. citizens rather than putting up barriers to the process," Pastor said Wednesday. "I worry these fees will be too prohibitive for immigrants who want to become Americans. I plan to carefully examine this proposal to ensure that any changes made are fair and reasonable."

The cost for applying for naturalization, for example, would increase to $595 from $330, an add on of more than 80 percent. The required fingerprint check would go up to $80 from $70.

A proposed rule on the fee adjustments will be published in the Federal Register on Feb. 1. It provides for a 60-day public comment period. Written comments may be submitted by:

• Internet: Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. 
• Fax: 866-466-5370
• Mail: Director, Regulatory Management Division 
          U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services 
          Department of Homeland Security 
          111 Massachusetts Avenue, NW 
          3rd Floor 
          Washington, DC  20529

To ensure proper handling, please reference DHS Docket No. USCIS-2006-0044 on your correspondence.  

Media Contact: Maura Saavedra, 602-252-2653