Scottish Civic Nationalism: An Opportunity for Migrants?

Résumé En

This article aims at critically addressing the SNP's very favourable discourse on immigration and immigrants’ rights in Scotland from a historical and contemporary perspective. As it is presented by the nationalist government, immigration in Scotland is a demographically, economically and socially crucial issue because of an acute need for a demographic boost in the long term. It is underpinned by a deep-rooted Scottish humane tradition of welcoming newcomers, and wrapped in the benefits of multiculturalism and civic nationalism. There is a strong emphasis on Scotland’s compassionate approach towards asylum seekers in particular, miles away from the English punitive approach. It seems undeniable that Scottish civic nationalism appears as a real opportunity for migrants who are looking for a safe place to go on with their lives. As immigration is a key issue in the SNP’s independence project, it has to be a key element of its political discourse. However, beyond the rhetoric of civic nationalism, a close reading of policy papers shows that the SNP’s view on the matter is first and foremost supported by very pragmatic and economy-driven reasons. After all, Scotland is an ageing nation that critically needs new skills and working population. Natural change is projected to be negative in Scotland each year for the next 25 years and all of the projected increase in Scotland’s population over the next 25 years will be due to migration.