Prejudice in naturalization decisions: Theory and evidence

• Published in: Journal of economic behavior & organization Vol. 150; pp. 1 - 18
• Main Author: Ilić, Dragan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01-06-2018
• Subjects: Discrimination; Infra-marginality; Naturalization; Infra-marginality; Naturalization; Discrimination
• ISSN: 0167-2681; 1879-1751
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2018.03.005

•Citizenship applications of marginalized immigrants are rejected at higher rates.•This disparity could stem from prejudice or from different applicant characteristics.•We present a model that implies an empirical test for prejudice using rejection rates.•In our Swiss case study, we find evidence of prejudice in one administrative entity.•We put forth an unprejudiced mechanism consistent with seemingly prejudiced outcomes.
Immigrant groups that are marginalized in their host countries are disproportionately more likely to have their citizenship applications rejected. It is not readily obvious whether this disparity is due to prejudice on the part of decisionmakers or due to applicant differences in meeting naturalization standards. To address this question, I develop a simple model of a council deciding whether to grant applicants citizenship. The model implies an empirical test for prejudice using average applicant group rejection rates. Using Switzerland as a case study, I apply the test to newly collected data from six large municipalities. In five municipalities, the test cannot reject the hypothesis of no prejudice with respect to country of origin. The rejection pattern of the sixth municipality is consistent with prejudice. The model illustrates some general points about the underlying mechanism in the decisionmaking process which have bearing on the inference of prejudice in naturalizations from observational data.