Cultural Accommodations and Naturalization Ceremonies

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter focuses on the final step in the naturalization process: the oath ceremony. It considers whether inclusion requires accommodating cultural practices of would-be citizens or whether a host state can permissibly refuse accommodations at this stage. The chapter begins with the context that has framed recent political theory discussions around the legitimacy of naturalization requirements. Too often, the adoption of more stringent naturalization requirements is borne from an animosity towards immigrants, especially those from Middle Eastern and Muslim-majority countries. The taking of the oath represents the formal acceptance, by naturalizing individuals, of subjection to state power in exchange for the state’s commitment to protecting their full and equal rights as citizens. On this conception of what the citizenship ceremony is, the accommodation of religious and cultural practices does not undermine the purpose of the ceremony and thus should be permitted.