This week marks a significant milestone in my life—I have officially become a British citizen. After a decade of living in London and nearly 15 years away from Spain, I now hold dual nationality. It’s official! It is in paper!
I didn’t plan at that time to move to London, despite entertaining the idea on previous occasions. However, after graduating from Copenhagen with excellent grades and a year of internship experience, I found it impossible to secure a job. Despite sending out countless applications, all my classmates were landing positions while I remained jobless. It was a moment of despair, but my friends in London came to my rescue. I applied for five job ads, received three interviews, and two offers. That's when I knew a move was in order. Fast forward ten years, and here I am—a British citizen.
Some people asked me why I decided to go through this process that it takes a lot of your time and cost close to the £2000 bill, also when the Spanish passport is the third in the world regarding “best passports” to hold. I guess that there are good reasons why and not so “nice” reasons why.
Living in London, I've been called "Spanish," while back in Spain, I'm referred to as "British." This duality has defined me from the beginning. However, at 38 years old, with 15 years spent away from my home country, I was unprepared for the revelation that I now speak Spanish with a noticeable accent. While accepting my accent when speaking English was expected, feeling foreign in my first language challenged my sense of identity. Yet, I consider it a privilege to always feel slightly out of place while simultaneously at home in both countries. The truth is, I want to live in the UK, particularly in London—a city often criticized but one I genuinely adore.
The second main reason why I did become a British Citizen is: to vote. Despite paying taxes in the UK for a decade, I couldn't participate in general elections or the Brexit referendum. For me, voting holds tremendous importance, and I wanted to have a voice in shaping the country I call home.
Another less pleasant reason behind my decision is my lack of trust in current and future governments to change their stance on immigration. As a European resident, our settled or pre-settled status has no official document. A simple email confirmation, attached to our ID (passport), is the only proof. Unfortunately, this email has no legal validity, which creates significant problems when dealing with countries that require official documentation for immigration purposes. This lack of security, coupled with the blame immigrants receive from politicians for societal issues, convinced me to pursue British citizenship. I wanted assurance that I can remain in the place I call home.
So I went through the process, which was long, arduous, expensive and I would dare to say humiliating at times - I have to proof that I spoke English after working and living here 10 years and having an international bachelor’s degree, I have to proof I paid my taxes even HMRC knows I did already…the list is long.
During a weekend FaceTime conversation with my sister, she asked me, "Do you feel more British now, after the British ceremony?" Surprisingly, I do. It's not just my mum affectionately calling me "my British daughter"; I am genuinely British. Also, I have immense gratefulness for my life here. In the UK, I have had a career that would have been impossible in Spain or Denmark, simply because I could be my authentic self. Despite the challenges of Brexit and how the UK is portrayed, I have never lived in a country where diversity is embraced so wholeheartedly. People here see diversity as a strength, and that resonates deeply with me.
One might argue that this diversity is a characteristic limited to London alone, but I have travelled across the UK and experienced it first-hand. In the midst of the Highlands, I stumbled upon a bakery offering vegetarian options. Since moving here, I have taken the time to learn about Diwali, studying it for an exam. Whenever I turn on the television, I am seeing an array of diversity, encompassing race, gender, and backgrounds. Through countless experiences, I have been educated about different cultures, traditions and rituals. I truly believe in diversity and for me, in the European continent, UK represent this, as it’s best.
Moreover, my career here has been intertwined with the UK's enduring spirit of innovation. The drive to always strive for excellence and push boundaries is a hallmark of this country. I have admired this mindset in countless meeting rooms, where open-mindedness prevails, promoting a constant search for innovative ways of doing things.
On a personal level, I have spent the past decade finding deep connections and building a wonderful circle of friends in London, who have become my chosen family. I am fortunate to have my partner share my love for this city as well. Even amidst the challenges of the pandemic, when many were leaving London, we didn’t. My unwavering commitment to this city is a testament to my affection for it and, by extension, for this country. While I may not fully comprehend the concept of pride in one's nation or nationality, I do understand love. Love is complex; it requires effort, patience, and time. After a decade in the UK, this journey has opened a new chapter, solidifying my love for this country through my British citizenship. So now, when my mum's call comes in, and the screen displays "my British daughter," it holds an undeniable truth.
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