Table 1 The reasons for non-naturalising – evidence from Brande Kehre and Stalidzane ( 2003 ) and Secretariat of the Special Assignment Minister for Social Integration ( 2008 )
From: From immigrants to (non-)citizens: political economy of naturalisations in Latvia
2003 : Why don’t you use the possibility to naturalise? | % of respondents |
|---|---|
1) I consider that I have an automatic right to Latvian citizenship | 34% |
2) I hope that the process of naturalisation will be simplified | 26% |
3) It is easier to travel to the CIS countries | 26% |
4) I think that I will not be able to pass the Latvian language exam | 24% |
5) I do not feel the necessity | 22% |
6) I think that I will not be able to pass the Latvian history exam | 21% |
7) I do not have money to pay the fee | 20% |
8) I do not have time to do the necessary formalities | 18% |
9) I consider that the process of naturalisation is humiliating | 18% |
10) I feel it is difficult to start the naturalisation process | 11% |
11) I want to be/am a citizen of another country | 4% |
12) It is difficult to get to the Naturalisation Board office | 3% |
2007 : The reasons why you do not plan to acquire Latvian citizenship | % of respondents |
a) I do not see the necessity | 44% |
b) Insufficient knowledge of Latvian | 37% |
c) I do not have time to do the necessary formalities | 29% |
d) Insufficient knowledge of Latvian history | 24% |
e) I consider that the process of naturalisation is humiliating | 21% |
f) I do not have enough information about the naturalisation process | 20% |
g) I do not feel belonging to the Latvian state | 17% |
h) Latvian citizenship will complicate travelling to Russia and other CIS countries | 10% |
i) I want to acquire citizenship of another state | 6% |