|
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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