The " Citizenship Lie " !

The Australian government is still wrestling with the imperatives that underline the reason that intending migrants seek that all important certificate of Citizenship.   It is the safety mechanism that protects them from deportation, nomatter how blatantly they break the laws they promise to obey when they recite the required oath.

Under the existing system, migrants enter the country subject to a wide variety of Visas.  They can move on to become " permanent residents " but have to wait another year before their application for citizenship will be considered.  One of the proposals being evaluated would extend that waiting period - to four years.

There are suggestions of testing to evaluate suitability for the Australian way of life and these may include questions on their attitude to female genital mutilation or whether it is acceptable to strike a spouse in an argument.  During this waiting time their way of life would come under close evaluation.  Do they send their children to school ?  What sports they follow ?  What civic organizations they have joined ?

Australian citizenship is surrounded by a huge range of ethnic advisors from each national group with intimate knowledge of the law.  Intending citizens with attitudes that do not fit the parameters are carefully coached on how to present at interviews and to maintain living arrangements that would earn approval.   Attempting to master the English language would rate highly on that listing, as would membership of any of the service clubs that do public good.

Gaining recognition as an Australian citizen is the ultimate prize in the eyes of those who have suffered the loss of their country due to civil war or invasion and have spent years in the misery of relocation camps.   It allows them to put down roots and ensures their personal safety.  The vast majority become good citizens and add to the pattern of Australian life that has emerged over the years.

Unfortunately, a small percentage settle here with no intention of integrating.  They wish to impose their religion and the old hatreds that have roiled their former country in this new land and they are prepared to shamelessly lie to gain the protection of citizenship.  Unfortunately, skilled help enables them to present extenuating appeals through the court system, and our courts are inclined to extend the vale of the doubt in their favour.

When we grant " permanent residency " without the deed of citizenship what we are really offering is a sort of " provisional citizenship ".    It delivers most of the rights - but without that final shield of deportation should the holder seriously break our laws.    By International law, once citizenship has been granted it can never be rescinded.

Perhaps we already have the answer to this problem.  There should be no actual time limit on this citizenship issue.  If a migrant is judged to be not suitable for that final step but behaving in a manner acceptable to being allowed to remain, that " provisional status " should remain in force - indefinitely.

That old maxim of " If it "aint broke, don't fix it ! "  should apply !