Why is the application fee still so expensive? (Merged)

[Boiler 43,453]

The things that bugs me is that they make no allowance for age. They charge someone say 20 the same as someone say 80 despite the obvious fact that the 80 year old is not likely to be around very long.

[Ontarkie 13,918]

~~Similar topics merged. Please don't make multiple threads for similar topics. Thread title also edited to be less offensive.~~

[Transborderwife 4,666]

The things that bugs me is that they make no allowance for age. They charge someone say 20 the same as someone say 80 despite the obvious fact that the 80 year old is not likely to be around very long.

This. My grandpa (now past away for two years) had an LPR friend who decided that he wanted to become a citizen. He was dying and in his 90s but he felt that it would be "one last accomplishment". He ponyed up the cash, got through the process, and then died roughly two months later.

[Umka36 781]

I joined the service after high-school, and never paid attention about US citizenship. I could have gotten my US naturalization after boot-camp (for free), but being young and dumb I never thought that far. After I completed my military obligation, I went back to college and realized I should apply for naturalization since everyone of my family member were.

OP, I had to pay for the fee like everyone else and didn't feel I was entitled for a fee waiver/free due to my service. Personally I don't understand the purpose of the fee waiver for naturalization, especially when it's not mandatory. I might as well complain about having to renew my US passport every 10 years. But just like US naturalization, it's not mandatory.

[Umka36 781]

The things that bugs me is that they make no allowance for age. They charge someone say 20 the same as someone say 80 despite the obvious fact that the 80 year old is not likely to be around very long.

Even though it's not monetary, they do make accommodation for the elderly (English language proficiency is one example).

http://www.uscis.gov/us-citizenship/citizenship-through-naturalization/exceptions-accommodations

[Neonred 3,446]

i have the money, i just didn't want to pay it

That says it all...

[Fan_Dancer 171]

Secondly, $700.00 is rather cheap considering the benefits U.S. Citizenship grants you. I am sure any beneficiary here on VJ, my wife not withstanding will tell you that U.S. Citizenship is priceless in comparison to most other countries.

Priceless indeed. You have to pay double the taxes if you move outside the US and work there. In some aspects, it is better to be just a resident.

[raven52 233]

I do not know if a "recession" effects USCIS, or not.

According to the US. Govt., it takes two consecutive quarters of negative growth (GDP), to produce a recession.

'To my knowledge, we have not had that.' Last quarter was above 2%, and this year is projected at 3% or more.

Yes, I agree, we are in a "crappy" economy, with the biggest thing being, "stagnant wage growth".,.,.,as it has been so long since I have seen my wife with a raise. A decent raise.

USCIS is "self-supporting" and must make a profit, or break even, or "it" would be more govt., regulated than it is.

I do hope you good luck, and I hope you get the fee or a reduced fee, as you have "traveled a long journey" to get your citizenship, and now it is well deserved.

[Ryan H 3,791]

~~~Closed for review~~~

***Review complete, 1 post violating the TOS (belittling language towards other member) removed along with 3 additional posts quoting or referencing the removed post. Furthermore, this thread will also remain locked; do not restart this thread.***

Edited January 3, 2015 by Ryan H