No Discounts for Foreigners Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Perry, Scott [R-PA-10]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 23, 2026
Bottom line
This bill seeks to eliminate fee waivers and reductions for most U.S. citizenship applicants, potentially increasing financial barriers to naturalization for many while maintaining an exception for military personnel.
What it actually does
This bill prohibits the Secretary of Homeland Security from waiving or reducing any fee associated with an application for United States citizenship. It includes an exception, allowing fee waivers or reductions to continue for applications submitted by members of the U.S. Armed Forces or aliens who previously served in the Armed Forces.
Proponents argue
Supporters would argue that the bill ensures fiscal responsibility by requiring all non-military applicants to cover the administrative costs of their citizenship applications, thereby reducing the burden on taxpayers and ensuring the self-sufficiency of the immigration system. They may also contend it prevents potential abuse of the fee waiver system.
Opponents contend
Opponents would contend that this bill creates an undue financial burden on low-income immigrants, making U.S. citizenship less accessible and potentially discouraging eligible individuals from naturalizing. They argue that it undermines efforts to promote civic integration and participation by creating an economic barrier.
The bill is very short and straightforward, allowing for quick comprehension by any interested reader.
Section 2(a)
Prohibition on Fee Waivers and Reductions for Citizenship Applications
This provision mandates that the Secretary of Homeland Security cannot waive or reduce any fees associated with applying for United States citizenship. This means that all applicants, unless specifically exempted, would be required to pay the full fee for their naturalization application, removing the current ability for individuals demonstrating financial hardship to receive a waiver or reduction.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that eliminating fee waivers ensures that all applicants contribute to the costs of processing their applications, reducing the burden on taxpayers and ensuring the integrity of the immigration system. They may also argue that it discourages frivolous applications.
Critics contend
Opponents contend that this provision creates a significant financial barrier for low-income individuals, making U.S. citizenship less accessible and potentially disenfranchising eligible immigrants who cannot afford the full application fee. They argue it goes against the principle of welcoming new citizens.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire to ensure self-sufficiency of the immigration system through fees against the goal of promoting naturalization and civic integration for all eligible individuals, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Section 2(b)
Exception for Military Personnel
This section carves out an exception to the general prohibition, allowing members of the U.S. Armed Forces and those who previously served to continue receiving fee waivers or reductions for their citizenship applications. This acknowledges the unique service and sacrifices made by military personnel and maintains existing pathways to naturalization for them.