Are You British or Muslim; Can You Be Both?

Social identity is commonly defined as a person's sense of self. It is derived from a perceived membership in social groups. This monograph examines the impact of Muslim immigrants on the national identity of Great Britain and the difficulty associated with the assimilation of immigrant populations in broader British society because of existing allegiances to their country of origin. Over the last quarter century Muslim immigrants are becoming a larger portion of immigrants to Great Britain. Long before the London bombings in July 2005 Great Britain has struggled to integrate its Muslim immigrant population. Muslim immigrants often remain in enclaves rather than disperse into broader British society. They often feel unwelcome by their 'traditional' British neighbors, but also enjoy the familiarity of the ghetto. Conservative British citizens view this segregation as a lack of willingness by Muslims to become part of Great Britain, and are increasingly resistant to demands by immigrants for accommodation. Liberals however, accept the diversity Muslim immigrants bring to British society without regard for support to British common law or the sovereignty of the Crown. The failure to maintain a traditional British identity has reduced the aspiration of immigrants to assimilate into the broader culture and society of their 'new' nation. Great Britain is a leading ally of the United States. Changes to British national identity could have serious consequences for American foreign policy. It is the author's assertion that the British government must develop programs that foster an immigrant's allegiance toward the Great Britain through promotion of traditional British national identity.