Does the Lack of Naturalisation Exclude New National Identity? Constructing Identity in the Narratives of Denizens Living in Poland Cover Image

Czy brak naturalizacji wyklucza nową tożsamość narodową? Konstruowanie tożsamości w narracjach wieloletnich imigrantów bez obywatelstwa polskiego
Does the Lack of Naturalisation Exclude New National Identity? Constructing Identity in the Narratives of Denizens Living in Poland

Author(s): Katarzyna Andrejuk
Subject(s): Migration Studies
Published by: Uniwersytet Łódzki - Wydział Ekonomiczno-Socjologiczny
Keywords: Denizens; Long-Term Residents; Narrative Identity; Citizenship; Lack of Naturalization

Summary/Abstract: The article describes narrative construction of identity by immigrants settled in Poland, who do not want to apply for citizenship of the receiving country. The reasons of their disinterest in the Polish citizenship include: obtaining an intermediate status (permanent residence), prohibition of dual citizenship in the country of origin, administrative difficulties associated with naturalisation in Poland. The lack of Polish citizenship does not exclude new national identity connected with the receiving country. Status and biographical experiences of the explored group do not support a static, stable vision of national belonging. In the denizens’ narratives, it is the cultural competences and length of stay in the country that decide about identity and connection to the sending or receiving country. Being an immigrant, even in the cases of long-term migration, means continuous negotiation between the connection with the country of origin and the new identity developed in the receiving country.

  • Issue Year: XI/2015
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 146-166
  • Page Count: 21
  • Language: Polish