I've been through the naturalization process and it is hell compared to the process in other countries. I heard the INS just raised fees again. They don't raise fees like the post office does with stamps, NO, they raise them by a significant percentage. An application goes from costing $200 to costing $800. A lot of these poor immigrants couldn't afford it at $200. It can cost up to 10 to 20 grand for lawyer fees and thats just to help with the application process. Its a lot easier to be illegal believe me, I know.