The number of immigrants applying for U.S. citizenship has plummeted in response to higher application fees, the economic downturn and efforts to toughen the naturalization exam, says immigration attorney Irina Plumlee of Dallas' Gardere Wynne Sewell. Plumlee, who focuses on a wide range fo business and personal immigration issues, has strong opinions about the trend and says the country stands to suffer when its immigration population doesn't have a straightforward manner to achieve citizenship. "It's in everyone's best interest to fully integrate the immigrant population into our political and economic structures, but these changes are likely to impact the number of non-U.S.-born voters at the polls," she says. "Citizenship proceedings should be offered in a straightforward manner, without unnecessarily complex tests and burdensome charges." The number of applicants has dropped by about one-half since a 70 percent fee increase was instituted last year. To speak with Ms. Plumlee about immigration issues, contact Rhonda Reddick at 800-559-4534 or rhonda@androvett.com.