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Estimating immigrant citizenship rates in Canada and the United States: Data sources and comparability issues

Author

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  • Feng Hou
  • Garnett Picot
  • Li Xu

Abstract

Recent studies have documented a significant decline in the citizenship rate among recent immigrants to Canada. Among immigrants (permanent residents) admitted to Canada five to nine years earlier, the citizenship rate declined from 75.4% in 1996 to 45.7% in 2021 (Hou & Picot, 2019; 2024). The effects of COVID-19 may partially explain the more recent decline, but the reasons for the longer-term fall remain unclear. Possible explanations include the increased fluidity of international migration, rapid economic growth in some source countries and changes in government policies on citizenship (Hou & Picot, 2021). Cross-country comparisons can help clarify the relative importance of these factors. If similar trends are observed in other major immigrant-receiving Western countries, this would suggest that the underlying causes are not unique to Canada. The United States would be a useful comparison country for Canada, as both are major immigrant-receiving nations with close geographic and economic ties. However, differences in available data complicate comparisons of immigrant citizenship rates. This article examines key data sources for studying immigrant citizenship in both countries and highlights the challenges in comparing citizenship rates and trends.

Suggested Citation

  • Feng Hou & Garnett Picot & Li Xu, 2025. "Estimating immigrant citizenship rates in Canada and the United States: Data sources and comparability issues," Economic and Social Reports 202500600001e, Statistics Canada, Analytical Studies and Modelling Branch.
    • Handle: RePEc:stc:stcp8e:202500600001e
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.25318/36280001202500600001-eng
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    JEL classification:

    • J23 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Demand
    • M21 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Economics - - - Business Economics

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