Rethinking National Identity in the Age of Migration

In countries across the Atlantic, large-scale migration has brought about unprecedented levels of diversity, transforming communities in fundamental ways, while realigning closely held notions of national identity and belonging. This shift has recently coincided with significant challenges and public fears brought on by the economic downturn and ensuing Great Recession, which has caused enormous anxiety and the need to hold tight to identity, language, culture, and values. In response, many state have advanced cultural conformity and narrowed the rights of migrants to residence and citizenship, isolating and in some cases penalizing those who fall outside country norms.

Amid the resulting immigration backlash and criticism of "multiculturalism," the need is greater than ever to reinforce the bonds that tie communities together. Yet while consensus is emerging on failed policies or what has not worked well in the arena of immigrant integration, there is sparse policy or even discussion for developing a new organizing principle for community cohesion that harnesses the potential of society's diversity. This vision must mitigate the disorienting effects of rapid social change tied to migration and smooth divisions between immigration’s “winners and losers,” blunt extremism, and respond smartly to changing community and national identities.

In Rethinking National Identity in the Age of Migration, the sixth volume of MPI's Transatlantic Council on Migration, these issues are examined as the authors uplift the lessons that can be drawn from various approaches to immigrant integration and managing diversity in North America and Europe. The volume delivers recommendations on what policymakers must do to build and reinforce inclusiveness given the realities on each side of the Atlantic. Through promoting key recommendations for fostering greater cohesiveness, the book offers insights into the next generation of policies that can (re)build inclusive societies and bring immigrants and natives together in pursuit of shared futures on equal footing.