Cena ($$) Americkeho obcanstvi.

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in Comparison to Typical Expenses Incurred by Average Americans

Some open-borders advocates have suggested that current fees associated with becoming a U.S. citizen are exorbitant and place too high a burden on applicants. However, when compared to typical daily expenses incurred by Americans, it becomes clear that the price of U.S. citizenship is quite low.

U.S. Citizenship 2007*
To file Declaration of Intent to apply for U.S. Citizenship $235
Request hearing on decision on naturalization application $605
Naturalization (to become a U.S. citizen) through service in the U.S. armed forces No fee
Naturalization for all others, including filing and biotmetric fees $675
Preserve residence for naturalization purposes $305
Replace Naturalization/Citizenship Certificate $380
Recognition of U.S. citizenship for biological child $460

Recognition of U.S. citizenship for adopted child $420
SOURCE: USCIS Fee Schedule; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
* Effective July 30, 2007
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Typical Annual Expense Items 2004*
Number of households (in thousands) 116,282

Income before taxes $54,453
Averages:

Age of referrence person 48.5
Average annual expenditures $43,395
FOOD $5,781
Food at home $3,347
- Cereals and bakery products
$461
- Meats, poultry, fish and eggs $880
- Dairy products $371
- Fruits and vegetables $561
- Other food at home $1,075
Food away from home $2,434
Alcoholic beverages $459
HOUSING $13,918
- Shelter $7,998
- Utilities, fuels, and public services $2,927
- Household operations $753
- Housekeeping supplies $594
- Household furnishings and equipment $1,646
Apparel and services $1,816
TRANSPORTATION $7,801
- Vehicle purchases (net outlay) $3,397
- Gasoline and motor oil $1,598
- Other vehicle expenses $2,365
- Public transportation $441
Healthcare $2,574
Entertainment $2,218
Personal care products and services $581
Reading $130
Education $905
Tobacco products and smoking supplies $288
Miscellaneous $690
Cash contributions $1,408
PERSONAL INSURANCE AND PENSIONS $4,823
- Life and other personal insurance $390
- Pensions and Social Security $4,433
*SOURCE: Consumer Expenditures in 2004; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, April 2006