Dr. Irene Bloemraad

Migration Matters

Is citizenship the crown of integration?

Obtaining citizenship is often seen as the final step, or crown, of integration, awarded only to those who have proven their ‘successful integration’. But what if getting citizenship was an easier, earlier option for immigrants? How would that impact their integration process? And why is citizenship so important for immigrant integration more generally? Prof. Dr. Irene Bloemraad shares learnings from the Canadian case.

Is citizenship the crown of integration?

  • 85% of immigrants in Canada eligible for naturalization become citizens
  • Citizenship as a waystation not an endpoint for integration
  • Immigrants with high levels of citizenship changes election
  • Feedback loop for political discourse
  • Everything isn’t perfect: debates, questions, discrimination still present
  • Birthright citizenship, full legal inclusion for second generation