Citizenship: A Journey Beyond Borders

“Where do you really belong?” This is a question that many people ask themselves, often in moments of deep reflection. Yet, for those seeking citizenship in a new country, this question takes on a very real and practical significance. Citizenship is more than just a legal status; it’s an identity, a sense of belonging, and often, a major life-changing event. But before one dives into the process, let’s get a reality check.

Imagine this: You’ve spent years living in a foreign country. You've built a life, established friendships, maybe even started a family. Yet, there’s something missing—a deeper sense of belonging, a right to fully participate in the society you've come to love. You apply for citizenship, expecting that with the final approval, a seamless transition awaits. But here's the reality: becoming a citizen is just the beginning.

Many applicants don’t realize that the road after getting citizenship can be just as tricky as the journey to acquiring it. Take the story of Rosa, a Filipino immigrant in Canada, who, after eight years of building her life in Toronto, finally obtained her citizenship. She believed this would instantly resolve her identity struggles, and in many ways, it did. But the emotional complexities that followed, particularly in reconciling her Filipino roots with her newfound Canadian identity, were unexpected.

The concept of citizenship goes far beyond the papers you receive at a swearing-in ceremony. It’s a psychological and social transformation that takes time. For some, the joy of becoming a citizen is followed by an unexpected sense of loss—the realization that you’ve truly closed a chapter on your old life. For others, it opens doors to new opportunities but also a new set of responsibilities. Let’s dive into the many layers of citizenship and how it shapes lives across borders.

Defining Citizenship: More Than Just Legal Status

When people think of citizenship, they often focus on the legal framework—the right to vote, the ability to travel without restrictions, and access to public services. While these are undoubtedly important aspects, they’re just the tip of the iceberg.

Citizenship, in its broader sense, is about belonging. It’s about aligning your identity with a community, a nation, and its values. This concept can vary greatly depending on where you come from and where you’re heading. For example, in the Philippines, citizenship is heavily tied to national pride and cultural identity, whereas, in some Western countries, it may be viewed more pragmatically as a pathway to better opportunities.

A Filipino seeking citizenship abroad, particularly in countries like the United States or Canada, often faces unique challenges. They might struggle with retaining their Filipino identity while also trying to integrate into a new culture. This balancing act can lead to identity crises, as they are constantly negotiating their place between two worlds.

Navigating the Process: Paperwork, Interviews, and Unspoken Rules

Gaining citizenship involves more than just submitting documents and waiting for approval. There are interviews, exams, and often an implicit test of character. Countries want to ensure that new citizens not only respect the laws but also share a common set of values. In many ways, the process itself can feel like an audition—one where you must prove your worthiness to be part of a society.

Take the case of Manuel, who spent years working in the United Kingdom. He had lived there for over a decade, paid taxes, and contributed to the community. However, the citizenship process seemed to be a never-ending ordeal. “It wasn’t just about getting the paperwork right,” he explained, “it was about demonstrating that I was truly one of them.” His experience highlights the unspoken rules that often accompany the legal process. These rules are not written down anywhere, but they exist nonetheless.

Dual Citizenship: Walking Between Two Worlds

For Filipinos, dual citizenship offers a way to maintain their connection to their homeland while embracing their new country. The Philippines allows for dual citizenship, which means you don’t have to completely renounce your Filipino identity when becoming a citizen elsewhere. This is an attractive option for many immigrants who still have strong family ties or business interests back home.

However, dual citizenship is not without its complications. There are tax implications, legal responsibilities, and sometimes, conflicting loyalties. Do you prioritize the interests of your new country or your home country? In moments of geopolitical tension, this can create personal dilemmas for individuals who are loyal to both nations.

Emotional and Cultural Challenges Post-Citizenship

Once the process is complete, and the papers are signed, the real emotional journey begins. New citizens often face a period of adjustment that can be more challenging than expected. This is where the concept of cultural citizenship comes into play. It’s not enough to just have legal status; one must also integrate socially and culturally. For Filipinos living abroad, this can mean learning new social customs, mastering a new language, or even adjusting to different ways of thinking.

For Rosa, the challenges post-citizenship were more profound than she had imagined. Even though she had the legal status of a Canadian, she found it difficult to fully embrace her new identity. She felt torn between her Filipino roots and her new life in Canada. “It’s like living in two worlds,” she said, “and sometimes, you feel like you don’t fully belong to either.”

A New Set of Responsibilities

Becoming a citizen doesn’t just come with rights; it also comes with responsibilities. This is something many new citizens often overlook. In addition to voting and obeying the law, citizenship may require you to take an active role in your community, serve in local governments, or even defend your country in times of need.

In countries like the United States, naturalized citizens are often expected to show a higher level of patriotism, sometimes more than native-born citizens. This can be a source of pressure for new citizens, who feel they must constantly prove their loyalty and dedication to their new country.

Citizenship by Investment: A Growing Trend

In recent years, there’s been a rise in the number of people seeking citizenship by investment. This process allows wealthy individuals to gain citizenship in a country by making a significant financial contribution. While this might seem like a fast track to a new passport, it raises ethical questions about what citizenship really means.

Is citizenship something that can be bought? For countries offering this option, the financial benefits are clear. But for the citizens who worked hard to earn their status through traditional means, it can feel like the system is being gamed. In the Philippines, this concept is not widely accepted, as citizenship is viewed more as an inherent right than a commodity.

Conclusion: The Ever-Evolving Concept of Citizenship

Citizenship, at its core, is a deeply personal experience. It’s about more than just legal rights and responsibilities. It’s about belonging, identity, and navigating the complex emotions that come with leaving one world behind and stepping into another. For Filipinos and many others, the journey to citizenship is a testament to their resilience, adaptability, and the enduring human desire to find a place to call home.

Whether obtained through hard work, investment, or heritage, citizenship remains one of the most significant markers of identity in the modern world. But as the world continues to evolve, so too does the meaning of citizenship. And for those embarking on this journey, it’s essential to remember that while citizenship may offer new opportunities, it also comes with new challenges—and that’s part of the adventure.