Woodrow-Lafield, Karen A. 2009. Transitions for Immigrants: Empirical Evidence and Future Considerations. Presentation, School of Social Work and Julian Samora Research Institute, Michigan State University, March 17. Abstract.

Migrants make multiple transitions after coming, such as defining themselves as settlers, gaining lawful permanent residence if they had not arrived with immigrant status, becoming naturalized, and interfacing with social institutions of education, health, the economy, the polity, religion, community, and government. Immigrant incorporation as citizens is gaining recognition, and understanding this transition is integral to an evolving sociology of citizenship. With immigration reform and social policy on the national agenda, this presentation focuses on several issues surrounding unauthorized residents and migration, special status populations, economic security, and changing Latino and other communities, and key findings are highlighted from longitudinal analyses of immigrants’ transitions in becoming naturalized.