India, June 30 -- The cost of becoming a US citizen could rise sharply under a new proposal by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which suggests increasing naturalization fees and removing fee waivers and reduced-cost options.

Under the proposal, the fee for Form N-400, used by green card holders to apply for US citizenship, would rise from $760 to $1,330 for paper filings and from $710 to $1,280 for online applications.

The increases represent a jump of nearly 75% to 80%. The DHS has also proposed higher charges for Form N-336, which is used to appeal a denied citizenship application.

Data from the US Department of Homeland Security shows that Indians remain one of the largest groups acquiring US citizenship through natural...