How and Why Do Intentions to Naturalize Evolve over Time?

While much of the literature focuses on the factors influencing naturalization outcomes, far less studies have investigated the will to acquire new citizenship. However, unlike naturalization, which, once acquired, is a fixed status, intention is subject to change, evolve, or be translated into action. Thus, studying the evolution of naturalization intentions provides a first overview of the interest and renunciation factors involved in acquiring a new passport. With nearly 25% of its resident population not holding citizenship and having one of Western Europe’s most restrictive nationality policies, Switzerland constitutes a relevant case for studying this phenomenon. This article draws on Swiss panel data (N = 1274) to identify, through different logistic regression models, the drivers of 1) a change in personal preferences and 2) the realization of a stated intention to acquire a new citizenship. The results indicate that socioeconomic characteristics and intimate ties with the host society are associated with the realization of naturalization aspirations, while the country of origin and immigrants’ relationships and experiences with the host society are important in explaining favorable changes of minds toward naturalization.