‘It was a gut-wrenching experience, really’: understanding emotional dimensions in French migrants' decision to apply for British citizenship after Brexit
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: In the aftermath of Brexit, migrants in the United Kingdom found themselves navigating uncertainties. Drawing on questionnaires and interviews with French nationals residing in England, this article examines how post-Brexit sentiments and emotions shaped their decisions regarding British citizenship applications. While most rejected naturalisation owing to a strengthened French or European identity and hesitancy towards a perceived unwelcoming country, others reluctantly sought citizenship to protect their rights amidst changing political landscapes. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of migrants' multifaceted emotional responses to the evolving socio-political context post-Brexit.
Source: National Identities
Author: Ophélie Castellani
Institution: Nottingham Trent University
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Funder: University of Westminster
OpenAlex ID: W4408174945