Study: Mexican Immigrants Seek US Citizenship at Lower Rate Than Others Connor Radnovich - Cronkite News Service
go to original April 3, 2013

As Congress debates an overhaul of the country's immigration system and giving the 11 million undocumented immigrants a roadmap to legal status and eventual citizenship, there is a lot of confusion over the basic facts. Center for American Progress Vice President of Immigration Policy Angela Kelley explains the three most important facts you need to know about immigration reform. (seeprogress)

Only 36 percent of Mexican immigrants who are eligible to become United States citizens are taking steps to do so, a much lower rate than immigrants from other countries, according to a recent study.

The Pew Hispanic Center report said language, financial and administrative barriers are among the main reasons for legal residents not seeking citizenship.

"Financial is the No. 1 reason that I see," said Victor Nieblas, second vice president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

"People don't come here and tell me 'I can't speak English, I don't want to apply.' The first thing they say is, 'It's too expensive and it's burdensome,'" he said.

It comes as lawmakers say they are nearing agreement on a comprehensive immigration reform package that is likely to include not only fees but fines and back taxes for immigrants who may be here illegally before they can become eligible for legal permanent residence.

The report said Mexican immigrants account for 6.1 million of the estimated 11.1 million people who immigrated illegally to this country. Mexicans also make up the largest group of legal permanent residents in the United States, accounting for 3.9 million of the 12 million people.

Read the rest at McClatchy

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