Naturalization and Prejudice: What We Know, and What Is Uncertain

in a nutshell #5
Dragan Ilic
February 2017

online version
to print A3

Messages for Decision-Makers

Switzerland has one of the most restrictive naturalization systems in Europe, with tougher criteria in some cantons and municipalities than in others.

The occasionally high rejection rates do not necessarily imply discrimination.

Under the current circumstances, naturalizations have a generally positive impact on economic, political, and social integration.

For a more reliable assessment of the presence or absence of discrimination, Swiss-wide standardized data on rejections would be required.