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in Comparison to Typical Expenses Incurred by Average Americans
Some open-borders advocates have suggested that current fees associated with becoming a U.S. citizen are exorbitant and place too high a burden on applicants. However, when compared to typical daily expenses incurred by Americans, it becomes clear that the price of U.S. citizenship is quite low.
| U.S. Citizenship |
2007* |
| To file Declaration of Intent to apply for U.S. Citizenship |
$235 |
| Request hearing on decision on naturalization application |
$605 |
| Naturalization (to become a U.S. citizen) through service in the U.S. armed forces |
No fee |
| Naturalization for all others, including filing and biotmetric fees |
$675 |
| Preserve residence for naturalization purposes |
$305 |
| Replace Naturalization/Citizenship Certificate |
$380 |
| Recognition of U.S. citizenship for biological child |
$460
|
| Recognition of U.S. citizenship for adopted child |
$420 |
SOURCE: USCIS Fee Schedule; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
* Effective July 30, 2007
|
| Typical Annual Expense Items |
2004* |
| Number of households (in thousands) |
116,282 |
| Income before taxes |
$54,453 |
Averages: |
| Age of referrence person |
48.5 |
| Average annual expenditures |
$43,395 |
| FOOD |
$5,781 |
| Food at home |
$3,347 |
- Cereals and bakery products |
$461 |
| - Meats, poultry, fish and eggs |
$880 |
| - Dairy products |
$371 |
| - Fruits and vegetables |
$561 |
| - Other food at home |
$1,075 |
| Food away from home |
$2,434 |
| Alcoholic beverages |
$459 |
| HOUSING |
$13,918 |
| - Shelter |
$7,998 |
| - Utilities, fuels, and public services |
$2,927 |
| - Household operations |
$753 |
| - Housekeeping supplies |
$594 |
| - Household furnishings and equipment |
$1,646 |
| Apparel and services |
$1,816 |
| TRANSPORTATION |
$7,801 |
| - Vehicle purchases (net outlay) |
$3,397 |
| - Gasoline and motor oil |
$1,598 |
| - Other vehicle expenses |
$2,365 |
| - Public transportation |
$441 |
| Healthcare |
$2,574 |
| Entertainment |
$2,218 |
| Personal care products and services |
$581 |
| Reading |
$130 |
| Education |
$905 |
| Tobacco products and smoking supplies |
$288 |
| Miscellaneous |
$690 |
| Cash contributions |
$1,408 |
| PERSONAL INSURANCE AND PENSIONS |
$4,823 |
| - Life and other personal insurance |
$390 |
| - Pensions and Social Security |
$4,433 |
| *SOURCE: Consumer Expenditures in 2004; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, April 2006 |
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