Government Bill 'To Shakes Up The Route To Citizenship'

A Bill to make newcomers to the UK earn the right to stay, strengthen the border, and ensure a 'firm but fair' immigration system was published in Parliament today.

The Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill will lay down a radical new approach to British citizenship that will require all migrants to speak English and obey the law if they want to gain citizenship and stay permanently in Britain - while speeding up the path to citizenship for those who contribute to the community by being active citizens.

Under the new system full access to benefits and social housing will be reserved for citizens and permanent residents - which means if you are not a citizen full access to benefits will not be allowed.

Foreign nationals who commit serious offences already face automatic consideration for deportation.

Anyone sent to prison will face removal and even those committing minor offences will normally need to wait until their conviction is spent before they can become citizens.

These measures will work alongside the powerful points system to ensure that only those people the country needs can come - and stay - in the UK.

This system will allow the Government to manage immigration which in turn will help contribute to future population projections and control.

Border and Immigration Minister Phil Woolas said: "We are clear that newcomers should speak English, work hard, and earn the right to stay here - and only get British citizenship once they have proved their commitment to the country.

"Migration only works if it brings benefits and these measures will ensure that only those migrants that make a positive impact on their local community will be able to stay in the UK."

The Bill will strengthen Britain's security by giving frontline staff of the UK Border Agency combined customs and immigration powers - making it easier than ever to crack down on illegal immigration and the smuggling of drugs and weapons.

The UK's border will be further strengthened by enabling routine border controls on air and sea routes for people travelling between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom.

(JM/BMcC)