Social Contact, Social Capital, and the Naturalization Process: Evidence From Six Immigrant Groups

Using data from the 5% Public-Use Microdata Sample of the 1980 U.S. census, this paper examines the process of naturalization among six immigrant groups: Mexican, Canadian, Cuban, Colombian, Chinese, and Korean. I draw upon existing theoretical perspectives to develop a comprehensive framework for the understanding of naturalization. The theories examined include the assimilation paradigm, theories of ethnic enclosure and ethnic resilience, and the theory of social capital. Specific hypotheses are derived from each theory and tested empirically. Findings show the importance of social contact and social capital in the process of naturalization and also support the assimilation paradigm. I also discuss the unique patterns of naturalization among Mexican and Canadian immigrants and outline directions for further research on naturalization.