The institutionality of integration measures for naturalized citizens in Brazil

An analysis from the perspective of law and public policies

Abstract

The objective of this article is to analyze public policies for the social integration of naturalized citizens in Brazil. The hypothesis is that there is a low degree of legal institutionalization in these policies. The research seeks to answer whether sufficient public policies exist to integrate naturalized individuals into Brazilian society. The content analysis covered recent migratory flows, the legal-institutional framework for naturalization in Brazil, and government actions related to social integration. It found that the New Migration Law introduced normative advancements, yet the insufficiency of integrative public policies reflects governance issues. At the mesoinstitutional level, the research revealed a high degree of legal institutionalization, with the roles of law as a goal, institutional arrangement, and toolbox being fulfilled. However, at the microinstitutional level, government actions showed a low degree of institutionalization, with deficits in inter-institutional coordination and the effectiveness of integration-oriented actions. The main conclusions indicate that the lack of targeted educational policies, cultural barriers, and the absence of specific indicators hinder the integration of naturalized Brazilians. The research recommends the implementation of coordinated, accessible public policies with greater social participation and reduced waiting times for naturalization. It emphasizes the need to overcome institutional challenges to ensure full citizenship and social inclusion for immigrants seeking to become Brazilian citizens.