Immigrants Who Naturalize Outearn their Peers

The moment when an immigrant becomes a citizen of their adopted country looks remarkably similar in ceremonies around the world: a hand raised, an oath taken, a flag waved, and a celebration with family and friends. However, the path leading to that moment varies significantly from one country to another. Some are long and steep and others more walkable, depending on the country’s policies. Behind this divergence is a kind of chicken-and-egg problem. Is citizenship a prize, something to be won only after considerable striving? Then it should be surrounded by hurdles, like requirements of language proficiency, extended residency, and a certain level of economic prosperity. Alternatively, is citizenship an invitation to build a future in the new homeland, a tool that helps immigrants succeed? In the latter case, the path to citizenship should be less restrictive...