The path to citizenship green paper

The path to citizenshipNews: 20 February 2008

Prime Minister launches contract for foreign national seeking British citizenship

I am sure that most of you already know about this. Last month,the government has proposed the radical changes to the way newcomers are able to earn their stay in Britain. They make clear that people who want to become the residence of the UK, they must speak english and give back to the community.

Refer to the website of Border and Immigration Agency (2008) stated that

The Green Paper: ‘The path to citizenship’ proposes:

• a three stage route to citizenship, including a new probationary period of citizenship, requiring new migrants to demonstrate their contribution to the UK at every stage or leave the country;
• full access to benefits being delayed until migrants have completed the probationary period;
• migrants having to improve their command of English to pass probation;
• anyone committing an offence resulting in prison being barred from becoming a citizen;
• those committing minor offences being required to spend longer in the new probationary period of citizenship;
• migrants contributing to a new fund for managing the transitional impacts of migration, providing extra financial help to communities experiencing change from migration; and
• migrants getting involved in their communities through volunteering being able to graduate to British citizenship more quickly.

One interesting point from The Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said that:

“Today’s proposals are part of the biggest changes to British immigration policy for a generation. This year will also see the introduction of a new Australian-style Points Based System, which will ensure the UK attracts only people with the skills it needs and the establishment of a new UK Border Agency to help strengthen our border controls helping ensure ours is one of the toughest borders in the world.”

I think that was a bit scary for me but anyway if you want to live here, you should respect the rule.

They said they will make sure that

• the country only takes in the brightest and the best;
• a single border force to guard our ports and airports with new police-like powers,
• all visa applicants fingerprinted,
• the introduction of a new system to count people in.
• ID cards which will strengthen the UK border and help keep out those who don’t have the right to be in the UK.

And read this! the reform immigration system will be backed up with a new single piece of legislation, replacing all existing immigration laws, which will be introduced to Parliament in November this year.

I will keep update news like this, please follow and if you want to give comment, please feel free. Tell me what you think!

PS: I have enclosed the Green Paper- the path to citizenship in PDF.

CJ