Immigration officials consider more fee increases

Even though a budget shortfall is partly caused by fewer applications, the application fee might have to be raised. Experts think the applications are fewer because the fees were raised last year. - - Donna Poisl

Immigrant rights groups fear that further fee hikes would cut many out of the citizenship application process. The immigration agency, which must be self-supporting, faces a $118-million shortfall.

By Teresa Watanabe and Anna Gorman

U.S. immigration officials are considering another possible round of fee increases and budget cuts next year, prompting concern among immigrant rights groups.

Alejandro Mayorkas, the new director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, said during a visit to Los Angeles on Wednesday that "financial challenges" have caused the agency to consider potential fee increases but no decision has been made.

The agency is facing a $118-million revenue shortfall this year in part because applications for citizenship and skilled worker visas are below projections, according to officials.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.