The Participation Paradox: Immigrants’ Civic and Political Engagement and Majority Attitudes in Slovenia

This article examines the participation paradox in Slovenia through three dimensions: the legal-political framework, immigrants’ civic and political participation, and majority attitudes. While civic rights are guaranteed to all residents, political rights remain stratified by citizenship and residence status, with full participation tied to naturalization. Survey results (N = 1,303) show that immigrants without Slovenian citizenship report lower civic membership and political participation than Slovenian citizens, even when eligible, while naturalized immigrants display higher engagement. Majority respondents accept immigrants’ civic involvement but oppose their electoral rights. The participation paradox thus stems from institutional restrictions, behavioural differences, and public scepticism.