A matter before the courts brings a compelling case for Citizenship to be awarded on a provisional basis. That " piece of paper " is sought after by so many people and it really needs to be " earned " by the applicant rather than being bestowed in exchange for what is fast becoming a " meaningless " promise on the applicant's behalf.
An Iranian migrant aged thirty-five arrived four years ago on a people smuggler's boat. He immediately committed violent offences and chalked up a list of convictions which culminated in an alleged murder before horrified bystanders in a busy shopping centre. It is alleged that this man bought a knife at the shopping centre and concealed it on his person when he confronted his lovers former partner. To his credit, he made no attempt to escape and calmly awaited the arrival of the police.
The granting of citizenship removes the possibility of deportation. Should a visitor or other non citizen commit a violent crime that results in a gaol term, upon release Australia can deport them to their country of birth by way of a court order. That is the very reason that most immigrants are so keen to claim citizenship. It makes them immune to deportation, nomatter what crime they may subsequently commit.
It seems that the granting of citizenship is governed by a number of United Nations protocols and these seem to forbid any form of restrictions or time clauses. This is a heavy handed approach weighed in the applicants favour - and now would be a very goof time for it's revision.
The terms under which any country will accept new citizens must surely rest with the laws of that country, and those laws are what the citizens decide. If that decision does not meet the prevailing United Nations protocol, then it is quite reasonable for the country to withdraw and set it's own rules for citizenship. It would be quite reasonable to grant citizenship on a provisional basis, to become absolute only after a nominated period of acceptable behaviour.
Citizenship is a two way deal. The accepting country is offering an applicant the protection of it's laws and the right to earn a living in exchange for accepting the legal system on this country and meeting the standards expected of a citizen. The present situation is very much a one way commitment. The applicant can break every aspect of the oath of citizenship taken - with no recourse.
The vast number of new people becoming Australians scrupulously meet their obligations of citizenship, but a small minority use it to break the law with impunity. Introducing probationary citizenship would merely restore the balance - and make full citizenship an " earned " reward " !
No comments:
Post a Comment