Rebordering Britain & Britons after Brexit
‘It was a gut-wrenching experience, really’: understanding emotional dimensions in French migrants' decision to apply for British citizenship after Brexit
Abstract
In the aftermath of Brexit, migrants in the United Kingdom found themselves navigating uncertainties. Drawing on questionnaires and interviews with French nationals residing in England, this article examines how post-Brexit sentiments and emotions shaped their decisions regarding British citizenship applications. While most rejected naturalisation owing to a strengthened French or European identity and hesitancy towards a perceived unwelcoming country, others reluctantly sought citizenship to protect their rights amidst changing political landscapes. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of migrants' multifaceted emotional responses to the evolving socio-political context post-Brexit. © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
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