Universal Citizenship
When considering refugees or illegal migrants, various images may come to mind. Some may think of individuals from Asia or Africa who pay smugglers to enter Europe or America, risking their lives for a chance at a better future. Others may envision people displaced by war or famine, such as those in the Darfur region of Sudan, Palestinians, Burmese, or Bangladeshis. These are individuals who have been compelled to seek refuge in their own or neighboring countries.
While it may seem logical for states to offer full membership to all residents or applicants for citizenship, the reality is that each country establishes criteria for citizenship, typically outlined in its constitution and laws. States exercise their authority to regulate entry, sometimes resorting to measures like building walls or fences. However, despite such restrictions, significant migration occurs globally due to factors like war, persecution, and famine. When individuals cannot find refuge or return home, they become stateless or refugees, facing challenges such as limited legal rights and access to education and employment.
The issue of how many people a country can absorb as citizens poses humanitarian and political dilemmas. While many countries accept those fleeing persecution or conflict, they also have concerns about managing large influxes of people and potential security risks. India, for instance, has historically provided refuge to persecuted individuals like the Dalai Lama and his followers. However, many displaced individuals remain stateless for generations, living in camps or as illegal migrants, with only a fraction eventually obtaining citizenship.
The plight of stateless people highlights a pressing global challenge. Political disputes and conflicts continually redefine state borders, leaving individuals displaced and vulnerable. Can citizenship alone address the needs of such individuals, or is there a need for alternative forms of identity? Some advocate for the concept of global citizenship as a potential solution, which will be explored further in the following section.
Class 11 Polity Chapter 6: Universal Citizenship
In a world characterized by borders and nation-states, the concept of citizenship plays a crucial role in defining rights, belonging, and identity. However, the reality of migration, displacement, and statelessness presents complex challenges to the ideal of universal citizenship.