[LWVNM Action] Comment on excessive Naturalization fees by 8/24/26

Tue Aug 11 12:37:23 MDT 2026

The current administration is trying to make it harder for people who are
qualified for citizenship to become naturalized.
We need to protest the proposed unreasonable fee increases formally. See
how below. People who can’t afford to pay could jeopardize their lives and
livelihood and be open to deportation.

Thank you for speaking up!

Meredith Ross Machen
505-577-6337
Meredith.machen at gmail.com

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Nicole Melaku <info at partnershipfornewamericans.org>
Date: Tue, Aug 11, 2026 at 11:16 AM
Subject: The fight for our community continues. Here is how you can plug in
this week:
To: <meredith.machen at gmail.com>

View this email in your browser
<https://mailchi.mp/partnershipfornewamericans.org/citizenship-day-celebrations-18159618?e=0a44dc9442>

*Stop the Paywall: Defend Naturalization. Submit your Public Comment Today!*
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.

*We can stop this: *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 proposed rule is
open for public comment until *August 24, 2026 @11:59 pm ET*. Community
organizations, legal service providers, advocates, and members of the
public are encouraged to submit comments urging DHS to reject these harmful
changes.
Submit a public comment. Follow the instructions on this* landing page
<https://us.list-manage.com/z7orLyjbzdl?e=0a44dc9442&c2id=61c9519c60addc19bd748450a5bc26af>
*to submit a public comment.* Sample comment template here
<https://us.list-manage.com/hyX9EzAbVCU?e=0a44dc9442&c2id=61c9519c60addc19bd748450a5bc26af>.
*

*August Webinars and Trainings Storytelling and Narrative for Refugee and
Immigrant Communities:  Building Solidarity, Allyship, and Influence*

*🗓️ *Thursday, August 13th

*⏰ *5pm ET/ 2pm PT
This workshop centers storytelling as a powerful tool for organizing,
advocacy, and movement-building. Participants will learn how to ethically
and effectively use personal and collective narratives to build solidarity,
strengthen allyship, influence policymakers, and counter harmful
anti-immigrant rhetoric. The session provides practical tools for engaging
media and decision-makers while protecting the dignity and safety of
storytellers.
Sign-up for the Storytelling and Narrative Workshop
<https://us.list-manage.com/Ssj4QgLIBTJ?e=0a44dc9442&c2id=61c9519c60addc19bd748450a5bc26af>

*Prepare for AILA’s Citizenship Day: Coordinator & Volunteer Trainings*
Join NPNA and partners for a webinar series leading up to Citizenship Day,
focusing on topics such as organizing citizenship events, hot topics in
naturalization, fee waivers, and the N-400 application, and more! See this
week’s webinars below:

   -

   *Tuesday, August 11th at 1:00 PM ET - Fee Waiver Volunteer Preparation *-
   This session will cover how to support eligible applicants in completing
   Form I-912, including eligibility criteria, documentation, and best
   practices for volunteer review. -* REGISTER HERE
   <https://us.list-manage.com/142rZmngXSB?e=0a44dc9442&c2id=61c9519c60addc19bd748450a5bc26af>.
   *

   -

   *Tuesday, August 18th at 3:00 PM ET - Advancing Citizenship Together:
   Local Government & Community Strategies for Celebrating Naturalization in
   Challenging Times *- As proposed policy changes and increased
   uncertainty create new challenges for eligible lawful permanent residents
   pursuing citizenship, local governments, community-based organizations, and
   advocates continue to lead with partnership, resilience, and hope. This
   webinar will showcase how communities are working together to support
   eligible residents, strengthen naturalization efforts, and celebrate new
   Americans through Citizenship Day, naturalization ceremonies, and other
   local initiatives. Join practitioners from across the country to explore
   strategies to advance citizenship, uplift the contributions of newly
   naturalized citizens, and reaffirm that everyone deserves the opportunity
   to participate in our democracy fully. * REGISTER HERE
   <https://us.list-manage.com/vs528TSXO8e?e=0a44dc9442&c2id=61c9519c60addc19bd748450a5bc26af>*

The fight continues,

Nicole Melaku,
Executive Director, NPNA

P.S. To defend immigrants is to defend the American Dream. Donate today.
<https://us.list-manage.com/ckeOOa4CKTH?e=0a44dc9442&c2id=61c9519c60addc19bd748450a5bc26af>

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