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Immigration Costs Vary Widely by State, New Index Shows

2026 Immigration Affordability Index reveals stark state-by-state cost differences. See how hours of work and income share vary. CitizenPath study.

This news matters because it quantifies the real financial burden of legal immigration, revealing that the same fee can be twice as heavy for families in low-wage states. As proposed fee increases loom, the index highlights how vulnerable lower-income applicants are, potentially discouraging legal immigration and affecting family unity. Understanding these disparities is crucial for policymakers and applicants alike, as it underscores the need for more equitable fee structures or support systems.