A recent article in The Economist examines the United Kingdom’s intention to align elements of its asylum policy with the Danish model.
In this context, the article features the work of Christina Gathmann, Director of LISER, whose research provides robust evidence on the positive long-term effects of citizenship on migrant integration.
Drawing on German reforms that expanded access to citizenship, Christina Gathmann’s findings—highlighted in the article—demonstrate significant socioeconomic improvements among migrant women who obtained citizenship.
These patterns also emerge in studies focused on refugees across Europe
As emphasised in the article, citizenship conveys two crucial signals:
“Citizenship sends two signals—to a migrant that he or she is secure, and to an employer that a person will stay put, so might be worth investing in.”
— The Economist summarising research by Christina Gathmann
This sets citizenship-based integration strategies apart from approaches relying on temporary or insecure status arrangements, such as those developed in Denmark since the early 2000s.
Research indicates that uncertainty and temporariness hinder integration, while clear and stable pathways to citizenship enable migrants to invest in their futures, supporting both individual wellbeing and host-country economic performance.
The Economist article ultimately raises a broader question: Why do governments sometimes overlook solid empirical evidence—particularly when such evidence shows consistent results across countries?
LISER remains committed to providing policymakers with rigorous causal evidence, ensuring that public debate in Luxembourg and abroad is informed by transparent and scientifically grounded insights.
A recent article in The Economist examines the United Kingdom’s intention to align elements of its asylum policy with the Danish model.
In this context, the article features the work of Christina Gathmann, Director of LISER, whose research provides robust evidence on the positive long-term effects of citizenship on migrant integration.
.png&w=3840&q=75)
Recent trends, affordability, and comparison with neighbouring countries
Regulatory Challenges in Luxembourg’s Emerging Rental Market
