What's happening?
On June 23, 2026, DHS issued a proposed rule that would nearly double naturalization application fees and eliminate fee waivers and reduced-fee options. If finalized, the proposal would increase the naturalization application fee by up to 80% and raise the fee to appeal a denied naturalization application by as much as 83%. These steep increases are not routine updates. They would place citizenship further out of reach for many aspiring Americans, especially people with lower incomes, by creating unnecessary financial barriers to the naturalization process. The proposed rule is not currently in effect, and naturalization fees, fee waivers, and reduced-fee options will remain unchanged while the rulemaking process is underway.

The proposal is open for public comment through August 24, 2026, and community organizations, legal service providers, advocates, and members of the public are encouraged to submit comments urging DHS to reject these harmful changes.

How to submit a comment
1. Use this direct link here.
2. Click the "Comment" button on the docket page.
3. Write your comment (see suggestions below or write in your own words).
4. Fill in the required fields and submit. You can comment as an individual and choose to submit anonymously if you prefer.
5. Submit before the deadline: August 24, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET.

Need help writing out a comment?

Option A: You are recently naturalized

My name is [YOUR NAME] and I recently naturalized on [INSERT DATE]. I came to the U.S. from [COUNTRY] [NUMBER] years ago, and becoming a citizen means that [WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU: e.g. “finally being able to vote,” “no longer worrying about my status,” etc.]. Becoming a U.S. citizen has opened so many doors for me, which is why I encourage others to naturalize as well. An 80% fee increase would create more barriers for people in my community to naturalize. [SPECIFIC IMPACT e.g. “people from my community will have to choose between this fee and rent,” “delaying applications for years while they save up,”]

Option B: A family member’s experience

My [INSERT TITLE e.g “Grandmothers, father, spouse, etc.] naturalized after [NUMBER] years of being a green card holder. [SHORT DETAIL e.g. “He passed his citizenship test at the age of 70,” “She was the first in our family to naturalize,”]. Watching what that process already demands, I know firsthand that raising fees and cutting fee waivers would have made it much harder for my family.

Option C: Your work with affected communities

I [WORK/VOLUNTEER] with [COMMUNITY e.g. “immigrant families in my community,” “a legal aid clinic,” “a resettlement agency,” etc.]. In my experience, I have seen how difficult it can be for people to take the first step to naturalize. Oftentimes, I notice that [BARRIER e.g. “current fees are a major barrier for low-income families I work with,” “fee waivers make a difference in the application process,” etc.].

Option D: Core comment (Feel free to add this as a second paragraph)

I'm asking DHS not to move forward with this proposed rule. Raising naturalization fees by up to 80%, making appeals cost even more, and getting rid of fee waivers is putting a price tag on citizenship. Families [e.g. “like mine,” “that I work with,” “in my community,” etc.] simply cannot afford these price increases. [OPTIONAL add specific examples of the barriers this would create, or tie it back to your personal experience].There are almost 9 million green card holders right now who qualify to naturalize, and this rule would push that dream even further out of reach for the ones who can least afford it. [CLOSING SENTENCE e.g. “Please withdraw this proposal and keep fee waivers in place,” “Thank you for considering my comment,” “I urge you to protect access to citizenship for all eligible immigrants, regardless of income,” etc.

Why your comment matters
Federal agencies are required to read and consider every public comment before finalizing a rule. A short, sincere comment from a real person carries real weight, especially when many people submit one. It only takes about five minutes.