Brill A Re-Definition of Belonging?: Language and Integration Tests in Europe (Immigration and Asylum Law and Policy in Europe): 20

About the Author Ricky van Oers is a Ph.D. researcher at the Centre for Migration Law of the Radboud University Nijmegen. She has published on European trends in nationality laws (AUP, 2006) and the recent restrictive turn in Dutch citizenship policy. Eva Ersbøll is senior researcher at The Danish Institute for Human Rights. She has published extensively on nationality issues, including Acquisition and Loss of Nationality, vol. 1 and 2, (AUP, 2006). Dora Kostakopoulou is Jean Monnet Professor of European Law and European Integration at Manchester University. Product Description Language and integration tests as a condition for naturalisation and various types of legal residence permits are topical issues in several European Member States. The introduction of the tests reflects a change in ideas on the relationship between legal status and integration. Since the introduction of the tests is a rather recent development, little is known of the effects of the formalised testing schemes. Whether the tests have in fact contributed to the integration of immigrants in the host society or whether they function as a mechanism for selection and exclusion is unknown. In this book, experts from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom analyse the policies concerning the integration of newcomers and/or future citizens in their countries. From the Back Cover As some Member States of the European Union lurch uncertainly towards nationalistic approaches to citizenship puzzling questions arise about the elements of that national identity. The search for legal mechanisms through which to describe national identity has increasingly focused on foreigners who apply to become citizens naturalisation. Devising for and applying state administrative tests to foreigners to determine whether they are sufficiently close to the national identity to merit citizenship reveals important cleavages in our understanding of the nature of identity and solidarity in the form of citizenship. This book provides a fascinating insight into the process of creating tests, applying them and the outcomes for individuals and societies. In the process it uncovers for us some very important assumptions about belonging in Europe in the 21st century. Elspeth Guild, Centre for European Policy Studies, Jean Monnet "ad personam" Professor of European Migration Law, partner London law firm Kingsley Napley, Visiting Professor at the London School of Economics In recent years several EU Member States have introduced new policies for the integration of immigrants from outside the EU. Some Member States introduced compulsory language and integration courses. Passing a formal citizenship or integration test has become a condition for family reunification, permanent residence or naturalisation in several European states. What image of citizenship is reflected in the content of those test? What are the effects of the new tests? Do the courses and tests enhance the integration of immigrants in society or do they function as a new instrument for selection and exclusion? This book provides essential and reliable information on new policies and legislation on integration of immigrants in Europe. Kees Groenendijk, Centre for Migration Law, Radboud University Nijmegen, Netherlands