Naturalization: The case for constitutional reform to extend citizenship to immigrant in Liberia

Abstract. This study examines critical elements of extending citizenship to entrepreneurial minority groups (Lebanese, Mandingos, Indians, Nigerians, and Westerners) and Liberian dual citizens in Liberia by analyzing survey, remittance, and naturalization data collected by Afrobarometer (Round 5and 6 Surveys), USD Explorer, 2015 Yearbook of Immigration Statistics, and TLC Africa from 2011 to 2015. This is accomplished by correlating associations between variables including Liberians’ gender in survey responses, attitudes of West African countries, Liberian naturalization in advanced countries, and Liberia’s remittances (inflow and outflow) to show the economic advantages of awarding citizenship to foreigners. The long run result reveals that attracting entrepreneurial groups increases investment in new domestic firms, which will likely lead to transformation in national industries, enhancement of citizens’ technical skills, creation of permanent employment, and improvement of citizens’ living standards, as well as increased democratization. Keywords. Immigrants, Entrepreneurial minority groups, Discrimination, Economic, Indigenous. JEL. J15, K37, L26.