For people seeking work or an escape to a better life in the United States, it's going to cost about two times the current amount, following a move by the Trump administration to hike fees on various immigration applications.
Michelle Mendez, director of defending vulnerable programs at the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC), calls the move an assault on immigration.
"This rule, these fees that have increased will make it extremely difficult for individuals to become legal immigrants, specifically to become naturalized immigrants, to become citizens," Mendez told Cheddar.
The new fees, which are set to be increased in October, will also gravely impact the world's most at-risk populations seeking asylum in the U.S., Mendez added.
"$50 may seem to be a small fee for many of us. We have to understand that asylum seekers leave their countries, they flee their countries with practically nothing," she said.
While news of the increased fees may be looked on as damning, Mendez said the move is on par with the Trump administration's previous moves to eliminate "access to the legal immigration process."
"During the [presidential] campaign, the rhetoric was very much focused on illegal immigration. We knew that that actually meant they were going to attack illegal and legal immigration," she said.
For Mendez, the idea of increasing fees and making the process even more difficult for people who want to become American is a jab at the foundation upon which the country was built.
"When we limit the opportunity for people to be engaged in the process by being citizens, that really undermines our democracy. That really undermines our democratic process," she stated.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students returned to school on Wednesday, two weeks after a mass shooter killed seventeen people. Since that tragic event, a student-led movement has been rallying support for changes to gun laws. But on Capitol Hill House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) signaled his disinterest in new restrictions on gun purchases. Rep. Darren Soto (D-Fl) discusses the state of gun control.
The Democratic lawmaker says that, if there's no change to current legislation, gun control will be an issue during this year's midterm elections.
Mashable recently published a three-part multimedia project on climate change. The series shines a spotlight on the Marshall Islands which are considered a forgotten nation still reeling from nuclear testing. Mashable Science Editor Andrew Freedman explains the impact of this project, which features journalist Kim Wall's last unpublished work since her tragic death in 2017.
Between Bells: Ryan Seacrest Red Carpet controversy, NCAA scandal, and why is it so hot at the North Pole? With Salon, LiveScience, Pizza Hut, and Madame Noire.
As anti-trans bills creep up in state and local governments around the country, businesses like Lush are taking a stand. All of February, the beauty brand has partnered with transgender rights organizations to promote equality.
It appears a battle is brewing in the White House between Senior Advisor Jared Kushner and Chief of Staff John Kelly. The latter reportedly downgraded Kushner's security status, and some members of the Trump family aren't too happy about it.
Dick's Sporting Goods announces it will no longer sell assault-style weapons in its stores. Amazon is buying video doorbell company Ring in a deal worth $1 billion. And is it time for "The Fresh Princess of Bel Air?"
This Changes Things: Advice for the executives and leaders of tomorrow, brought to you by American Express OPEN. On Between Bells: DACA, flying cars, and the Ryan Seacrest scandal. With Motor Trend, YourTango, and Reason Magazine.
Adi Robertson, senior reporter at The Verge, discusses the move this week by Senate Democrats to try and overturn the FCC's repeal of net neutrality. Democrats filed a resolution that would require a majority vote in Congress to pass.
Georgia's Lieutenant Governor is calling on Delta to reinstate its relationship with the NRA. The Dow closes down 300 points. Amazon is buying smart doorbell maker Ring. Former NBA star Al Harrington is looking to become the next marijuana mogul. Cronos Group started trading on the Nasdaq Tuesday. The vertically integrated company became the first marijuana company to join a major exchange in the United States.
