Supervisors info:
Αντώνιος Κόντης, Καθηγητής, Τμήμα Πολιτικής Επιστήμης και Δημόσιας Διοίκησης, ΕΚΠΑ.
Summary:
Active participation in the host society is a key element in the integration of migrants. With their interest in the way society works, immigrants prove to be an integral part in their new country. However, there are many forms of political involvement of citizens, either through associations, voluntary groups, trade unions or through their own political participation. However, the acquisition of nationality is considered to be the ultimate goal of the integration process and is an indication of membership in the host society, since the candidate is required to meet the criteria set. At the same time, the right to vote characterizes the migrant as a citizen of the host country. Therefore, his/her participation in the elections, in other words, his/her desire to influence the life of society, is considered a sign of integration.
However, ideas to promote the above are subject to consultation both at national and institutional level, before being converted into immigration policy. The result of the consultations may appear different for each country. As a result, there are significant differences between European countries regarding the framework for the migrants' integration policy and the reason why politicians promote this policy. Differences are anticipated, as citizenship has a cultural tangle, reflecting national peculiarities and historical plots, as well as the ideological contradiction that exists in each country.
Consequently, in each "case study" of a host country, we should take into account the different perceptions of "citizenship", as well as how these (perceptions) are related to the respective perceptions for nationalities, the ideological boundaries of political parties and the way that the conservative parties of the host country perceive the rise of right-wing parties with populist tendencies.
Keywords:
active participation of migrants, host country, political involvement, integration process, acquisition of citizenship, right to vote, political rights, immigration policy, integration of immigrants, European harmonization, public speech
