Immigrants rush to file papers before price jump

With nine days left before naturalization fees skyrocket in the country, hundreds of immigrants across the Valley and United States this week rushed to complete their applications.

The price tag to apply for citizenship on July 30 will jump to $675 from $400. Green card fees will nearly triple, to about $1,000 from $395. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced the increases earlier this year.

Rep. Ed Pastor, D-Ariz., hosted a citizenship drive in Phoenix Saturday for people intimidated by the lengthy application process.

At least 150 people poured into the Udall Elementary School gym to fill out applications with support from 70-plus volunteers, said Maura Saavedra, Pastor's spokeswoman.