Does citizenship really matter?
As Sweden looks for ways to make Swedish citizenship “more meaningful” and a tool to help integration, it begs the question as to what citizenship means in the first place.
On Monday, Swedish integration minister Erik Ullenhag unveiled plans for a government inquiry tasked with looking into ways to give Swedish citizenship more meaning to immigrants contemplating become citizens.
As Ullenhag points out, citizenship brings with it some legal rights, such as voting, not granted to immigrants who choose to retain a mere residence or work permit.
But, in his eyes, becoming a Swedish citizen should mean something more by symbolizing people's “common future” and help create a “sense of belonging to a new country”.
Previously on The Local, contributor Ruben Brunsveld reflected on what it means to be a dual citizen as well as the emotional connection people have to their citizenship – old or new.
Is Ullenhag right to want naturalized Swedish citizens to feel the same allegiance to their adopted country as they felt for the countries of their birth?
Is it possible to stop feeling Brazilian, Lebanese, American, Chinese, Dutch, or Spanish when taking Swedish citizenship?
What does Swedish citizenship mean to people born in Sweden?
Should dual citizenship be banned altogether to force people to make a choice?
What do you think?
Registered users may add answers using the comment field below. If you haven't yet registered, you may do so here - it's free and only takes a moment.
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On Monday, Swedish integration minister Erik Ullenhag unveiled plans for a government inquiry tasked with looking into ways to give Swedish citizenship more meaning to immigrants contemplating become citizens.
As Ullenhag points out, citizenship brings with it some legal rights, such as voting, not granted to immigrants who choose to retain a mere residence or work permit.
But, in his eyes, becoming a Swedish citizen should mean something more by symbolizing people's “common future” and help create a “sense of belonging to a new country”.
Previously on The Local, contributor Ruben Brunsveld reflected on what it means to be a dual citizen as well as the emotional connection people have to their citizenship – old or new.
Is Ullenhag right to want naturalized Swedish citizens to feel the same allegiance to their adopted country as they felt for the countries of their birth?
Is it possible to stop feeling Brazilian, Lebanese, American, Chinese, Dutch, or Spanish when taking Swedish citizenship?
What does Swedish citizenship mean to people born in Sweden?
Should dual citizenship be banned altogether to force people to make a choice?
What do you think?
Registered users may add answers using the comment field below. If you haven't yet registered, you may do so here - it's free and only takes a moment.
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