ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we explore selected characteristics of Latino immigrants according to their stage in the naturalization process. Specifically, we examine the differences between eligible immigrants who had naturalized and those who had not. Among those who had not naturalized, we probe the differences, if any, between immigrants who had begun to naturalize and those who had not As we will indicate, identifying those who had begun presents an analytical problem. As far as the Immigration and Naturalization Service is concerned, naturalization formally begins with the filing of the application. When the courts awarded naturalization, they defined an initiated application as one that the INS had reviewed and presented to the clerk of the court with a recommendation for an award or a denial. We find, on the other hand, that for the naturalizing immigrant, the application process actually begins somewhat earlier.
