Immigration and citizenship are complex topics tied to globalization, identity, and social integration. In Western countries, the issue of immigrant descendants and their relationship with citizenship often becomes the focus of public discourse. From the American Dream to the migration waves in Europe, many children of immigrants have found a place in these societies.
However, their sense of identity is often ambiguous, torn between the desire to assimilate into mainstream society and the difficulty of relinquishing or erasing their cultural roots and history. Citizenship, in this context, is not just a legal concept but also a symbol of personal belonging and identity with a country and its culture.
The environment in which immigrant descendants grow up in Western countries is diverse, yet they often face the challenge of grappling with their identity. The United States, as a nation of immigrants, has seen millions of people from around the world converge to build a rich cultural and linguistic tapestry.
In this land of opportunity, immigrant descendants are typically expected to blend into mainstream society and enjoy the same rights and opportunities as native-born citizens. However, many of them feel a sense of detachment from the "American Dream." They find themselves caught between two worlds: not fully identifying with their ancestral culture, yet also finding it difficult to be completely accepted as "real" Americans.
Take the example of Chinese Americans, for instance. Many are second or even third-generation immigrants. Despite the fact that Chinese communities have deep roots in the U.S., they are still often seen as "outsiders."
For many Chinese Americans, they identify as neither Chinese nor purely American. Language barriers, cultural conflicts, and sometimes even racial and physical differences complicate their sense of self. In environments where racial prejudice is prevalent, immigrant descendants are often labeled "foreigners," regardless of whether they hold American citizenship.
This complexity of identity extends beyond emotional and psychological struggles and is also reflected in legal terms. In many Western countries, citizenship is more than a matter of legal rights—such as voting or social benefits—it also forms the bond between an individual and the nation.
Although immigrant descendants may possess citizenship, they often find themselves in a gray area when it comes to their sense of belonging. In the U.S., for example, while many immigrant descendants are raised in America and receive an American education, they are still subjected to cultural biases and exclusions.
In some cases, they may speak fluent English, but at the core of their identity, they hold on to the culture of their country of origin. This sense of belonging, in turn, conflicts with their American citizenship, leaving them trapped between legal and cultural boundaries.
The situation in Europe is slightly different. Although many European countries have experienced waves of immigration, due to historically more restrictive immigration policies and the strong ties between "European identity" and nationalism, the issue of citizenship for immigrant descendants is more sensitive.
For example, in France, although the constitution grants French nationality to all children born in France to immigrant parents, French society’s acceptance of immigrant descendants remains relatively low. In more conservative areas, immigrant descendants often face exclusion due to their skin color, religious beliefs, and cultural background.
The French concept of "Frenchness" is often closely linked to traditional French culture and values, which may be at odds with the heritage of immigrant families. Therefore, despite having French nationality, many immigrant descendants still face significant barriers in truly integrating into French society.
Similarly, in Germany, the situation for immigrant descendants is also complicated. Although Germany initially did not fully adopt the principle of "birthright citizenship," the country has gradually relaxed its nationality policies over time. However, many immigrant descendants still feel distanced from the identity of being "German."
For many descendants of Turkish immigrants, they not only face language and cultural differences but also need to navigate two vastly different value systems. On one hand, they are accustomed to the traditional culture of Turkey; on the other, they strive to integrate into modern German society. Yet this dual identity often leaves them feeling “lost.”
The identity struggles of immigrant descendants are not only cultural but also related to the social and economic pressures they face. Despite having the same legal rights as native citizens, immigrant descendants often encounter discriminatory practices in education and employment.
Though they may have adapted linguistically, they are frequently overlooked or sidelined due to their names, appearance, or family background. In these cases, immigrant descendants may feel they cannot fully integrate into society or that they do not have access to the same opportunities as others.
For example, in the U.S., despite speaking perfect English, immigrant descendants may face discrimination during job interviews because of their names, their ethnic appearance, or assumptions about their background.
However, there are also instances where immigrant descendants break through these barriers, successfully integrating into local societies and even excelling in various fields. These success stories demonstrate that, despite the challenges of identity, many immigrant descendants overcome difficulties through education, hard work, and societal support.
In the United States, for instance, many immigrant descendants have made significant contributions in fields like technology, business, and the arts, becoming key figures in American society. These successful immigrant descendants are not only recognized materially but also find a deep sense of belonging, validating their identity as both immigrants and Americans.
The identity of immigrant descendants is an evolving process shaped by numerous social, political, and economic factors. In today’s increasingly globalized world, more and more countries are focusing on the cultural integration and identity issues of immigrant descendants.
Western countries are gradually adopting more inclusive immigration policies, and society is becoming more accepting of cultural diversity.
Nevertheless, the issue of identity remains complex and sensitive. It cannot be solved merely through legal or policy changes. Only through the collective effort of society can immigrant descendants find their place and achieve a true sense of belonging.
The stories and experiences of these immigrant descendants reveal the complex relationship between cultural identity and citizenship in an era of globalization. For them, identity is not only a legal matter but a deeply emotional and cultural one.
In this ongoing journey to reconcile personal and social recognition, immigrant descendants must navigate between two cultures, facing both external challenges and internal contradictions. Along the way, their identity may not be perfect, but it is this very multifaceted identity that grants them unique vitality and value in the globalized world.