PUBLIC SUBMISSION | As of: February 12, 2009 Comments Due: April 02, 2007 |
Docket: USCIS-2006-0044
Adjustment of the Immigration Benefit Application/ Petition and Biometric Fee Schedule
Comment On: USCIS-2006-0044-0001
Adjustment of the Immigration and Naturalization Benefit Application and Petition Fee Schedule
Document: USCIS-2006-0044-0358
Comment Submitted By Sandra F. Celedon
In regards to the proposed fee increase, I have to oppose to it for the following
reasons; 1) the increase is not resonable, 2) the proposed amount is not affordable
for most applicants, and 3) a plan can be developed to increase customer
satisfaction and decrease processing time without the proposed increase.
First, the increase in not reasonable because it is based on the notion that
applications will be processed more efficiently once more money is poured into the
agency. This tactic has been employed before and it has demostrated that it was
not the proper response to the problem. Therefore, the premise on which this
increase
is based is not resonable and therefore not a valid justification. Sencondly, in
regards to applications to renew "green cards" and Citizenship applications, the
proposed fee increases would render a vast number of individuals unable to afford
to pay the amount required to process said applications. Most individuals who
apply for citizenship are from a low socio-economic background, a fee such as the
one proposed would place a great strain on their day-to-day budgets. While at the
same time these individuals would not qualify for a fee waiver, under the current fee
waiver guidelines, even though they clearly cannot afford to afront the cost involved
with renewing their "green cards" or apply for citizenship. Lastly, an efficient
system can and should be developed without placing a greater burden on
applicants. I personally believe that the inefficiency of the Department of Homelad
Security is due to lack of training of staff, overcompensation of certain personnel,
and greater responsibility as a result of the September 11, 2001 attacks (9/11).
The solutions for these problems would be to provide adequate training to ALL
personnel and instill a genuine desire to provide GREAT customer service,
cutbacks on salaries which are not justified, and application for bonds or grants,
etc. that can be applied to specific duties that need to be carried out because of
9/11.
These fees are not justified by cogent reasons, they are unaffordable, and
unnecessary. It is my desire to see this agency truly serve the people it claims to
serve, the first step would be by not alienating applicants with these proposed fee
increases.