Montgomery County Joins Federal Lawsuit Against Raising Citizenship Fees; County Executive Elrich Urges Eligible Residents to Apply Now

For Immediate Release: Thursday, September 24, 2020

County Executive Marc Elrich today announced that Montgomery County has joined 33 American cities and counties, as well as the United States Conference of Mayors, in submitting an amicus brief in the Project Citizenship lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The lawsuit is in reaction to a new United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) policy that would make it more expensive for eligible residents to apply for naturalization as well as other statuses and benefits. The lawsuit implores the federal court to stop this new policy from going into effect.

Beginning Oct. 2, USCIS will increase the cost of applying for naturalization from $725 to $1,200 and eliminate the fee waiver for almost all low-income residents. Under the new policy, USCIS will also be increasing the permanent residence (green card) application fee and implementing an asylum application fee, making the United States one of four countries to do so.

“Doubling immigration fees and eliminating the low-income waiver can have the effect of excluding many who are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship but are unable to cover the cost,” County Executive Elrich said. “U.S. citizenship should not be limited to those who can afford to pay. We should be doing everything in our power to welcome new citizens, not put roadblocks in their path. It goes against our American values to create a wealth test to be a U.S. citizen. When lawful, permanent residents become U.S. citizens, our County thrives. We urge our residents to start the naturalization process immediately, before the fees go up on Oct. 2, and to seek legal advice and citizenship application assistance only from reputable service providers.”

Currently, there are approximately 56,000 residents who are eligible for U.S. citizenship in Montgomery County. Across the U.S. there are currently 8.8 million lawful permanent residents who are eligible for U.S. citizenship.

Residents who have questions about citizenship programs and services should contact the Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center at 240-777-4940 or visit the County’s website at montgomerycountymd.gov/Citizenship.

Put the “count” in Montgomery County! Be sure to complete the Census online, by phone, or by mail. It’s safe, confidential, easy, and important. #2020Census #EveryoneCountsMCMD

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Media Contact: Public Information Office, 240-777-6507