E.g., 06/16/2026
E.g., 06/16/2026
Citizenship & Civic Engagement

Citizenship & Civic Engagement

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Citizenship brings many benefits to immigrants and to their country of settlement, and represents a dynamic policy vehicle for promoting the political incorporation of immigrants and, by extension, their more complete integration. Naturalization allows immigrants to participate fully in the civic life of their new country, and is a powerful symbolic gesture of their commitment to their host society. The research collected here examines citizenship policies in a number of countries, the economic effects of citizenship, dual citizenship, citizenship by descent or birth in the territory, and the application and processing of citizenship applications.

Recent Activity

People hold Brazilian flags
Articles
May 14, 2026
Brazilian Immigrants in the United States
By Marina Aragão Santos and Jeanne Batalova
Cover image for Rooted in the Valley
Reports
May 2026
Rooted in the Valley: Immigrants in Napa County’s Communities and Economy
By  Valerie Lacarte, Michael Fix and Allison Rutland
A pregnant woman at an airport.
Articles
April 29, 2026
Though Rare, Birth Tourism to the United States Sparks Outsized Concern
By Muzaffar Chishti and Colleen Putzel-Kavanaugh
A family takes a photo in Washington, DC.
Articles
April 15, 2026
Indian Immigrants in the United States
By Kyung Ju Lee and Jeanne Batalova
Immigrants take the oath of allegiance during a naturalization ceremony.
Articles
March 12, 2026
Frequently Requested Statistics on Immigrants and Immigration in the United States
By Jeanne Batalova
Girls in traditional Ukrainian attire.
Articles
February 12, 2026
Ukrainian Immigrants in the United States
By Emilie Folsom and Jeanne Batalova
The Little Havana neighborhood of Miami.
Articles
November 12, 2025
Caribbean Immigrants in the United States
By Allison Rutland and Jeanne Batalova
Young women outdoors.
Articles
October 16, 2025
Sub-Saharan African Immigrants in the United States
By Allison Rutland and Jeanne Batalova
More
Cover image for Rooted in the Valley
Reports
May 2026
Rooted in the Valley: Immigrants in Napa County’s Communities and Economy
By  Valerie Lacarte, Michael Fix and Allison Rutland
Cover image for Confronting Compassion Fatigue
Reports
January 2024
Confronting Compassion Fatigue: Understanding the Arc of Public Support for Displaced Populations in Turkey, Colombia, and Europe
By  Natalia Banulescu-Bogdan, M. Murat Erdoğan and Lucía Salgado
Cover image for Immigration and Integration in the Ever More Diverse Houston Area
Reports
November 2023
Immigration and Integration in the Ever More Diverse Houston Area
By  Valerie Lacarte, Michael Fix and Jeanne Batalova
Cover image for From Safe Homes to Sponsor policy brief
Policy Briefs
October 2023
From Safe Homes to Sponsors: Lessons from the Ukraine Hosting Response for Refugee Sponsorship Programs
By  Susan Fratzke, Viola Pulkkinen and Emma Ugolini
cover image for Destination-Country Policies to Foster Diaspora Engagement in Development
Reports
April 2022
Destination-Country Policies to Foster Diaspora Engagement in Development
By  Kathleen Newland
Cover image for Promoting the Inclusion of Europe’s Migrants and Minorities in Arts and Culture
Reports
March 2022
Promoting the Inclusion of Europe’s Migrants and Minorities in Arts and Culture
By  Lucía Salgado and Liam Patuzzi
Cover image for The Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) Program: Understanding Its Design and Challenges in Meeting Immigrant Learners’ Needs
Reports
February 2022
The IELCE Program: Understanding Its Design and Challenges in Meeting Immigrant Learners’ Needs
By  Jacob Hofstetter and Alexis Cherewka
Cover image for Four Years of Profound Change: Immigration Policy during the Trump Presidency
Reports
February 2022
Four Years of Profound Change: Immigration Policy during the Trump Presidency
By  Jessica Bolter, Emma Israel and Sarah Pierce
More
People hold Brazilian flags
Spotlight
May 14, 2026
Brazilian Immigrants in the United States

The United States is home to the largest Brazilian community outside Brazil. Still, Brazilians account for only about 1 percent of all U.S. immigrants. This population has grown rapidly in recent years, with nearly two-thirds of Brazilian immigrants arriving since 2010, as this article details.

A pregnant woman at an airport.
Policy Beat
April 29, 2026
Though Rare, Birth Tourism to the United States Sparks Outsized Concern

Birth tourism is at the center of the Trump administration’s legal argument to end the guarantee of birthright citizenship. Estimates suggest the practice is quite rare, and a range of government actions, including enforcement operations on "maternity hotels," has sought to eradicate it. This article examines birth tourism to the United States, offering a look at trends, policy responses, and its role in the legal fight over ending birthright citizenship.

A family takes a photo in Washington, DC.
Spotlight
April 15, 2026
Indian Immigrants in the United States

Indian immigrants comprise the second largest foreign-born group in the United States, even though they tend to have arrived more recently. Immigrants from India tend to have considerably more education than other groups and roughly one-fifth live in California. This article offers a range of information about this diverse group. 

Immigrants take the oath of allegiance during a naturalization ceremony.
Spotlight
March 12, 2026
Frequently Requested Statistics on Immigrants and Immigration in the United States

This essential resource offers top statistics about immigration, immigrants, and the immigration system in the United States, drawing on authoritative sources and the latest data available. The article offers insights on the size and characteristics of the immigrant population, the scope of temporary and permanent immigration via all pathways, enforcement actions, and much more.

Girls in traditional Ukrainian attire.
Spotlight
February 12, 2026
Ukrainian Immigrants in the United States

The Ukrainian immigrant population in the United States grew significantly in the immediate aftermath of Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Compared to the overall immigrant population, Ukrainians are more likely to be U.S. citizens and have higher levels of education. This article provides wide-ranging statistics on the size, U.S. settlement, and socioeconomic characteristics of this group. 

More
Image of a newborn baby's feet
Short Reads
May 2025
Repealing Birthright Citizenship Would Significantly Increase the Size of the U.S. Unauthorized Population
By  Jennifer Van Hook, Michael Fix and Julia Gelatt
USCISBudgetWoes WikimediaCommonsGulbenk
Short Reads
June 2020
USCIS Budget Implosion Owes to Far More than the Pandemic
By  Sarah Pierce and Doris Meissner
CitizenshipWorkshop SEATLEOIRA Flickr AlabastroPhotography
Short Reads
December 2019
USCIS Fee Increase Proposed Rule Could Represent the Latest Step in Reshaping Immigration to United States
By  Jessica Bolter and Doris Meissner
UndocumentedYouthApplyForDACA
Short Reads
November 2017
Legalization for DREAMers: A Realistic Appraisal of Potential Chain Migration
By  Julia Gelatt and Randy Capps
_DutchElections
Short Reads
March 2017
The Dutch Elections: How to Lose and Still Shape the Direction of a Country—and Possibly a Continent?
By  Demetrios G. Papademetriou and Natalia Banulescu-Bogdan
Citizenship BellevueWA Flickr
Short Reads
September 2015
Danger Ahead for Aspiring Citizens as New Federal Workforce Law Is Implemented
By  Margie McHugh
Constitution
Short Reads
August 2015
Repealing Birthright Citizenship: The Unintended Consequences
By  Michael Fix
_Viviane_Reding_COMMENTARY
Short Reads
January 2014
Valuing Citizenship: A Commodity or an Identity?
By  Elizabeth Collett
Election-themed geometric pattern in red and blue
Explainers
September 2024

Explainer: Noncitizen Voting in U.S. Elections

Are noncitizens voting in U.S. elections? What is the process for verifying that someone is eligible to vote? This explainer answers basic questions and addresses misconceptions about voting by unauthorized immigrants and other noncitizens—which audits by elections officials and independent research have demonstrated is extremely rare.

Expert Q&A, Audio
March 15, 2023

The Golden Ticket? Exploring the World of Investor Visas

Investor visa programs have become popular for countries seeking to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic growth. But how exactly do these programs work, and what are the potential benefits and drawbacks? MPI’s Kate Hooper speaks with Madeleine Sumption, the director of the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, about the range of investment visa programs, applicants’ motives, and more.

FLICKR BREAD FOR THE WORLD Bread for the World Groups gathered from all across the U.S. to demonstrate support for DACA and DAPA
Video
February 4, 2021

Prospects for a U.S. Legalization Program and the Unauthorized Immigrant Groups that Could Factor in the Debate

Following President Biden's call on Congress to enact a sweeping immigration proposal that offers most unauthorized immigrants a pathway to citizenship, this discussion examines the prospects for any legislative efforts at immigration reform, what bipartisan support might develop, and the various legalization policy options.

IMAGE 17thLAPC
Video
September 21, 2020

17th Annual Immigration Law and Policy Conference

This year’s Immigration Law and Policy Conference examines the immigration policy agenda under the Trump administration, including changes in the asylum system; the vast societal upheaval brought on by COVID-19 and the rising racial justice movement; what the future of U.S. immigration may look like; and many other topics related to U.S. immigration policy.

flickr grand canyon national park service Naturalization Ceremony Grand Canyon 20100923mq_0546 Michael Quinn 5021872782_e6c5034fda_c
Video, Audio
July 16, 2020

A Bumpy Path to U.S. Citizenship: A Survey of Changing USCIS Practices

Marking the launch of a report on changed USCIS procedures that appear to be adding hurdles to the citizenship process, this discussion featuring a former USCIS Director also examines the effects that the pandemic-related shutdown and a possible furlough of two-thirds of USCIS staff could have on the ability of would-be Americans to take the oath of citizenship.

Imagen en Acción flickr 5
Audio
January 25, 2019

Building the Foundations for Inclusion: What Does the Future Hold for Immigrant Integration in Europe?

This meeting highlighted lessons from MPI Europe’s flagship Integration Futures initiative, which seeks to develop creative and strategic approaches to addressing today’s most difficult and pressing integration challenges—and to better plan for those around the corner.

More

Recent Activity

Articles
May 14, 2026

Brazilian Immigrants in the United States

The United States is home to the largest Brazilian community outside Brazil. Still, Brazilians account for only about 1 percent of all U.S. immigrants. This population has grown rapidly in recent years, with nearly two-thirds of Brazilian immigrants arriving since 2010, as this article details.

Reports
May 2026

Rooted in the Valley: Immigrants in Napa County’s Communities and Economy

In Napa Valley, a world-famous wine-growing region, agriculture and manufacturing are major aspects of the regional economy. They are also sectors that have long relied on immigrant labor. This report examines the characteristics and economic contributions of Napa County’s immigrant residents and workers.

Articles
April 29, 2026

Though Rare, Birth Tourism to the United States Sparks Outsized Concern

Birth tourism is at the center of the Trump administration’s legal argument to end the guarantee of birthright citizenship. Estimates suggest the practice is quite rare, and a range of government actions, including enforcement operations on "maternity hotels," has sought to eradicate it. This article examines birth tourism to the United States, offering a look at trends, policy responses, and its role in the legal fight over ending birthright citizenship.

Articles
April 15, 2026

Indian Immigrants in the United States

Indian immigrants comprise the second largest foreign-born group in the United States, even though they tend to have arrived more recently. Immigrants from India tend to have considerably more education than other groups and roughly one-fifth live in California. This article offers a range of information about this diverse group. 

Articles
March 12, 2026

Frequently Requested Statistics on Immigrants and Immigration in the United States

This essential resource offers top statistics about immigration, immigrants, and the immigration system in the United States, drawing on authoritative sources and the latest data available. The article offers insights on the size and characteristics of the immigrant population, the scope of temporary and permanent immigration via all pathways, enforcement actions, and much more.

Articles
February 12, 2026

Ukrainian Immigrants in the United States

The Ukrainian immigrant population in the United States grew significantly in the immediate aftermath of Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Compared to the overall immigrant population, Ukrainians are more likely to be U.S. citizens and have higher levels of education. This article provides wide-ranging statistics on the size, U.S. settlement, and socioeconomic characteristics of this group. 

Articles
November 12, 2025

Caribbean Immigrants in the United States

The United States is by far the top destination for international migrants from the Caribbean. Roughly one in ten U.S. immigrants was born in the Caribbean, coming chiefly from Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, or Haiti. Compared to other foreign-born groups, these individuals are more likely to be naturalized U.S. citizens and to have arrived since 2010, as this article details.

Articles
October 16, 2025

Sub-Saharan African Immigrants in the United States

Approximately 2.5 million sub-Saharan African immigrants lived in the United States in 2024—more than triple the number in 2000—with most coming from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, or South Africa. This article offers a range of information about this diverse group, which has higher educational attainment and English proficiency than the overall immigrant population, and tends to have higher income. 

More