Hispanic Outlook: Integrating immigrants into US society

According to the Migration Policy Index (MIPEX), a guide that compares the immigration and integration policies of 31 countries, U.S. naturalization fees “are now higher than in 25 of the 30 other MIPEX countries.” The process of acquiring citizenship in the United States can also be uncertain, lacking “legal time limits (unlike in 13 MIPEX countries). Many long and discretionary background checks also leave applicants slightlyinsecure about their status.” (Thomas Huddleston, et al., MigrantIntegration Policy Index III). In addition, “despite the stead. In addition, “despite the steady rise in naturalization rates over the decades, a shocking number of people do not naturalize who are eligibleto do so,” wrote Giavagnoli in her report. “In 2008, for example, whilemore than one million LPRs [lawful permanent residents] naturalized, more than eight million were eligible to do so.” MIPEX researchers ranked the U.S. ninth overall (among 31 countries) in its immigration and integration policies, with 62 of a total possible 100 points derived from averaging scores in seven categories. The categories included labor market mobility (how immigrants access jobs and job training); family reunification (who is eligible to bring family members, andwhich family members); access to education; political participation; long term residence (who is eligible, how does one get it, and can it be revoked); access to citizenship; and anti-discrimination laws and protections. In education, the U.S. scored similarly in its overall points. According to index researchers, all students in the U.S., regardless of status, may attend free public schools. In addition, “Undocumented students haveno clear legal path to college, norin-state tuition in 39 states (unlike around half the MIPEX countries). Targeted programs slightly help minority students and limited English speakers complete school, from pre-school to college ... but states rarely see the new opportunities that migrant children bring.”