The impact of naturalization on civic integration: an empirical study on TCNs in Italy

The main objective of this dissertation is that of exploring the relationship between naturalization and civic integration from an empirical standpoint. Most existing studies have focused on the impact of naturalization on the specifically economic dimension of integration, whereas the non-economic aspects have been much more neglected. Here the question of the impact of naturalization is developed with regards to first-generation, third-country nationals (TCNs) residing in Italy, and focusing the attention on civic integration. The latter is provided a working definition characterized by three dimensions (“vertical”, “horizontal” and “subjective”). The research is based on interviews with fifty individuals carried out between 2012 and 2014. Interviews featured both a structured questionnaire and an open-ended talk. The methodology of analysis of the data was both quantitative and qualitative. The objective of mixing the two methods was to enable me, on the one hand, to define the relationship between the “citizenship variable” and the other main ones, and on the other, to gather a deeper understanding the mechanisms at work behind the process of integration in relation to citizenship acquisition. Overall, this research finds that notwithstanding the pervasive effects on the economic, social and political life that globalization, deterritorialization and increased cross-country mobility have had on nation-states and on individuals living within their borders, national citizenship is still a powerful drive in shaping first-generation immigrants’ chances for civic integration into the host country.The main objective of this dissertation is that of exploring the relationship between naturalization and civic integration from an empirical standpoint. Most existing studies have focused on the impact of naturalization on the specifically economic dimension of integration, whereas the non-economic aspects have been much more neglected. Here the question of the impact of naturalization is developed with regards to first-generation, third-country nationals (TCNs) residing in Italy, and focusing the attention on civic integration. The latter is provided a working definition characterized by three dimensions (“vertical”, “horizontal” and “subjective”). The research is based on interviews with fifty individuals carried out between 2012 and 2014. Interviews featured both a structured questionnaire and an open-ended talk. The methodology of analysis of the data was both quantitative and qualitative. The objective of mixing the two methods was to enable me, on the one hand, to define the relationship between the “citizenship variable” and the other main ones, and on the other, to gather a deeper understanding the mechanisms at work behind the process of integration in relation to citizenship acquisition. Overall, this research finds that notwithstanding the pervasive effects on the economic, social and political life that globalization, deterritorialization and increased cross-country mobility have had on nation-states and on individuals living within their borders, national citizenship is still a powerful drive in shaping first-generation immigrants’ chances for civic integration into the host country.LUISS PhD Thesi

Should european countries refuse entrance to migrants that do not speak their language? A case for the right to family life

This article analyses the recent case of an ECJ ruling concerning Member States’ possibility to require third county nationals (TCNs) to pass a civic integration examination prior to family reunification. Following a description of the content of the right to family life for non-EU citizens residing in the EU, the article discusses the controversies surrounding the ECJ’s ruling, as well as the ethical and policy implication of the decision. The article argues that, while the Court’s decision is in line with the European Directive on Family Reunification, it does not take full consideration of the consequences of the Dutch policy regarding civic integration tests. In particular, the Court overlooks the fact that, while the test is hardly functional to state the capacity of integration, it acts as a form of ex-ante discrimination that contravenes Article 7 of the European Convention and Article 8 of the European Charter on the right to family life

Shall integration tests trump the right to family reunification?

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Back to (a different) emigration? Mobility from Spain and Italy during the economic crisis

The economic crisis has had a very severe impact on the economic situation of both Spain and Italy, whose employment figures fell by record levels, affecting all population categories, especially the youngest cohorts. This situation had a profound impact on the dynamics of migration in these two (traditionally emigrant-sending turned emigrant-receiving) countries, with a rising of emigration in the face of decreasing immigration. The main goal of this study is to compare Spanish and Italian emigration mechanisms through secondary sources. We lean toward the hypothesis that both countries, Spain and Italy, could have changed their migration patterns due to the economic crisis. For this purpose, we undertake a cross-national comparative analysis of stock and flow data on emigrations during the economic downturn (2009-2015)

Back to (a different) emigration? Mobility from Spain and Italy during the economic crisis

The economic crisis has had a very severe impact on the economic situation of both Spain and Italy, whose employment figures fell by record levels, affecting all population categories, especially the youngest cohorts. This situation had a profound impact on the dynamics of migration in these two (traditionally emigrant-sending turned emigrant-receiving) countries, with a rising of emigration in the face of decreasing immigration. The main goal of this study is to compare Spanish and Italian emigration mechanisms through secondary sources. We lean toward the hypothesis that both countries, Spain and Italy, could have changed their migration patterns due to the economic crisis. For this purpose, we undertake a cross-national comparative analysis of stock and flow data on emigrations during the economic downturn (2009-2015)La crisis económica ha tenido un impacto muy severo en la situación económica de España e Italia, cuyas cifras de empleo disminuyeron en niveles récord y afectaron a todas las categorías de población, especialmente a las cohortes más jóvenes. Esta situación tuvo un profundo impacto en la dinámica de la migración en estos dos países (tradicionalmente, emigrantes que se convirtieron en emigrantes receptores), con un aumento de la emigración frente a la disminución de la inmigración. El objetivo principal de este estudio es comparar los mecanismos de emigración española e italiana a través de fuentes secundarias. Nos inclinamos por la hipótesis de que ambos países, España e Italia, podrían haber cambiado sus patrones de migración debido a la crisis económica. Con este fin, llevamos a cabo un análisis comparativo transnacional de los datos de stock y flujo sobre las emigraciones durante la recesión económica (2009-2015)