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20 February 2008
Major changes proposed to the way foreign nationals achieve British citizenship.
The proposed changes follow a consultation and a series of 'listening events' held last year. That research found that most people want new residents to speak English, pay their way, obey the law and give something back to their communities.
A government green paper released today - The path to citizenship (new window) - proposes to build on those suggestions, starting with a 'citizenship contract' that would set out each new citizen's rights and responsibilities.
Key elements
Other proposed changes include:
- creating a three-stage route to citizenship, including a new 'probationary period'
- requiring immigrants to either show that they've contributed something to the UK, or leave the country
- denying public benefits to immigrants who haven't received full citizenship
- requiring immigrants to prove they can speak English
- barring those convicted of serious crimes from receiving citizenship
- requiring those convicted of minor crimes to spend more time on citizenship probation
- requiring immigrants to contribute to a fund devoted to managing the impact of immigration
- speeding the citizenship process for immigrants who get involved in their local communities through volunteering
A clear set of responsibilities
In a speech, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he expects even tougher tests for citizenship in the future, with a clear set of responsibilities set out at each stage of the immigration process.
He described the proposed three-stage immigration system as:
- entry as a temporary resident
- time as a probationary citizen
- full citizenship
He said, 'For people coming to Britain, and wanting to be British, citizenship should not only be a matter of their choice, but should depend upon actively entering into a contract through which, by virtue of responsibilities accepted, the right to citizenship is earned.'
He said that all new residents - whether they're working here under the points-based system or applying to stay permanently - will be expected to be able to speak English.
He said there would be further consultation on proposals to withhold some benefits and social housing from non-permanent residents.
Proposed law 'clear and fair'
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said the proposals were 'clear and fair.'
'The rights and benefits of citizenship will be available to those who can demonstrate a commitment to our shared values, and a willingness to contribute to the community,' she said.
'This is a country of liberty and tolerance, opportunity and diversity - and these values are reinforced by the expectation that all who live here should learn our language, play by the rules, obey the law and contribute to the community.'
These proposals are part of sweeping changes to the British immigration policy, including a new points-based system to encourage highly skilled immigrants to move here, as well as stronger border controls to ensure that it's harder for illegal immigrants to enter the country in the first place.
These reforms will be backed up by a single piece of legislation, which will replace all existing immigration laws. This new law will be introduced to Parliament in November.
Learn more
Download the path to citizenship green paper from the Border and Immigration website. (new window)
Read more about the issue on Number 10's website (new window).
