Explaining the Surge in Citizenship Applications in the 1990s: Lawful Permanent Residents in Texas

In: Social science quarterly, Band 83, Heft 4, S. 1013-1025

Abstract

Objective. We explore the increase in citizenship applications in the mid-1990s to test popular explanations for them, eg, the consequences of IRCA legalization, fear of loss of public benefits, & effects of citizenship outreach programs. Methods. We rely on a nonrandom sample of 526 lawful permanent residents in four TX cities. About 50% had applied for citizenship & all were taking affirmative steps via participation in citizenship or English-language classes. Results. Having received amnesty under IRCA predicts rapid application for citizenship on eligibility but is not associated with greater mastery of the naturalization process or better English skills. Fear of losing eligibility for public benefits & campaigns promoting naturalization motivated about 25% of citizenship applicants. Much larger proportions cite their desire to participate fully in American life, to sponsor the immigration of relatives, & to ensure opportunities for their children. The main obstacle they identify is limited English proficiency. Conclusions. Although factors peculiar to the political environment of the 1990s affected many permanent residents, most cited traditional incentives having to do with investment in opportunities for themselves & their families. Our data suggest that the most effective way to facilitate naturalization is to devote more resources to English-language training. 5 Tables, 40 References. Adapted from the source document.