Reduce costs for existing pathways to citizenship

It is so disappointing to read about people being arrested and taken away from their families when some of them are trying to become citizens. Those who come to America for a better life aren't here to take jobs away from anyone; they work at jobs that nobody else wants to do. Becoming a citizen costs more money than some immigrants have, but they still try their best to become a citizen, as they are often trying to get away from violence.

When asylum is granted, people are unable to work for eight weeks until they receive a worker permit. How is that helpful to anyone? Granting asylum does not ensure anyone that later they will become a citizen, and they have to regularly reapply. Each of these programs cost around $500.

America has always welcomed immigrants; that is what makes America great. We're a melting pot of differences. Why must we change now?

If the process of becoming a U.S. citizen wasn't so costly, more people could work legally, have families, pay taxes and have a chance to make a better life for themselves. After all, isn't that what America is all about?

Sharon Ullrick

Cedar Rapids