Abstract
Despite similar experiences of immigration, the proportion of immigrants taking up the citizenship of their country of residence varies substantially in Western European countries. While previous research concluded that citizenship policies in general are relevant for explaining these differences, this paper provides a fine-grained analysis of which policy dimensions bear greater or lesser importance for naturalisation outcomes. Drawing on citizenship policy data from nine EU countries for the period 1995 to 2014 and using time-series cross-section regression models, the study identifies economic requirements, ius soli, and dual citizenship provisions as main drivers for differences in naturalisation rates.
MIPEX in use
Using MIPEX data, but no – arguably necessary – control variables, Reichel (2011) compares naturalisation rates and the MIPEX dimensions (Eligibility, Conditions for Acquisition, Security of Status, and Dual Nationality) in 29 European countries in the years 2007/2008 and concludes that dual citizenship regulations matter particularly for naturalisation. As acknowledged by Reichel, this model does not include control variables: Most importantly, independently from policy change, immigrant inflows, which cannot be expected to be constant or homogeneous across countries, may lead to changes in naturalisation rates. Other factors, in particular economic development and party politics, may have a mediating effect on the correlation between policies and naturalisation rates (Janoski 2010). Lastly, not only differences across countries may be of interest here, but also changes within countries may be used to make inferences on the impact of citizenship policies on naturalisation rates.
