Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

This is a qualitative data collection. The overall aim of this project was to explore the experiences and opinions of refugees living in Scotland towards the UK citizenship process and becoming British citizens. In the wider context of the social cohesion agenda, the UK Government has promoted the integration of refugees. Alongside these developments, there have been several changes that have impacted upon refugees including 'English Language and Life in the UK' tests, citizenship ceremonies and the introduction of the Active Review. By drawing upon theoretical literature, analysis of secondary data and 30 in-depth interviews conducted with refugees at various stages of the citizenship process, the project explored the impact of these changes upon refugees living in Scotland. The specific research objectives were:to examine the reasons why refugees decide to apply for British citizenship or not;to explore the difficulties that refugees have faced in progressing towards citizenship;to explore the views of refugees on the concepts of integration, citizenship, Britishness and Scottishness;to determine how becoming British citizens (or not) impacts upon the daily activities of refugees, sense of self-identity and integration;to employ research findings to inform current debate surrounding the Active Review of refugee cases and proposals for probationary citizenship.The research identified four key reasons for refugees deciding whether to become British citizens or not. These include instrumental reasons, a search for safety and security, to develop a sense of belonging to the UK and securing legal rights in the UK. The project also explored the difficulties that refugees have faced in progressing towards citizenship including costs and the application process. Finally, the research examined the relationship between citizenship, integration and sense of belonging. The UK Data Archive collection includes 28 of the 30 interviews conducted with refugees. Further information may be found on the ESRC Becoming British Citizens? Experiences and Opinions of Refugees Living in Scotland award webpage and the Scottish Refugee Council website.

Main Topics:

Topics covered include: migration and immigration; British citizenship and associated processes; naturalisation; social and cultural integration; employment; education; family circumstances.

Purposive selection/case studies

Volunteer sample

Face-to-face interview