The United States has raised the cost for immigrants to apply for citizenship or permanent residency.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services implemented the new fee schedule this week Monday, raising application and petition fees by an average of 66 percent.
The cost to apply for naturalization increased from $400 to $675. Prospective permanent residents now must pay more than $1,300.
The Bush administration says revenue from the fee increase will be used to improve services, modernize infrastructure and meet national security requirements.
Some immigrant rights activists fear the higher cost will pose a financial barrier for poorer people.
The new fee schedule was announced in May of this year.