Menu
15/01/2009
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)
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)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 June 2013
Cardiff Clamp-Down On 'Illegal' Workers
Three people have been arrested during a clampdown on illegal workers in Cardiff. Immigration Minister Mark Harper was present at a series of enforcement raids in Cardiff to witness first hand the work being done to apprehend those working and living in the UK illegally.
Cardiff Clamp-Down On 'Illegal' Workers
Three people have been arrested during a clampdown on illegal workers in Cardiff. Immigration Minister Mark Harper was present at a series of enforcement raids in Cardiff to witness first hand the work being done to apprehend those working and living in the UK illegally.
15 May 2013
65th Person Arrested In Operation Elveden
Met detectives investigating suspected corruption have arrested a former immigration centre employee. Officers from Operation Elveden arrested the 40-year-old man at his home in Slough, Berkshire, around 06:00 this morning (Wednesday). According to the BBC he is being held on suspicion of corruption and misconduct in public office.
65th Person Arrested In Operation Elveden
Met detectives investigating suspected corruption have arrested a former immigration centre employee. Officers from Operation Elveden arrested the 40-year-old man at his home in Slough, Berkshire, around 06:00 this morning (Wednesday). According to the BBC he is being held on suspicion of corruption and misconduct in public office.
03 December 2012
Home Secretary Launches Appeal Over Abu Qatada
The Home Secretary has applied for permission to launch an appeal in the ongoing dispute regarding the future of Jordanian terror suspect Abu Qatada. Theresa May has lodged papers with the civil appeals office at the Court of Appeal ahead of a deadline later.
Home Secretary Launches Appeal Over Abu Qatada
The Home Secretary has applied for permission to launch an appeal in the ongoing dispute regarding the future of Jordanian terror suspect Abu Qatada. Theresa May has lodged papers with the civil appeals office at the Court of Appeal ahead of a deadline later.
31 August 2012
Nine Convicted Over Bedfordshire Immigration Scam
A Luton business man who used one of his restaurants as a cover for an immigration scam has been convicted. Gyash Uddin, 39, of Ivy Road, sponsored visa applications for family members from Bangladesh to come to the UK where he then employed them at his restaurant Moja, in Mill Road, Leighton Buzzard.
Nine Convicted Over Bedfordshire Immigration Scam
A Luton business man who used one of his restaurants as a cover for an immigration scam has been convicted. Gyash Uddin, 39, of Ivy Road, sponsored visa applications for family members from Bangladesh to come to the UK where he then employed them at his restaurant Moja, in Mill Road, Leighton Buzzard.
03 April 2006
Report finds support for annual immigration limit
Three-quarters of the British public support the introduction of an annual immigration limit, according to a poll by campaign group Migrationwatch UK. The survey, conducted by YouGov, found that 76% of respondents questioned supported an annual limit on the number of immigrants allowed to come to Britain.
Report finds support for annual immigration limit
Three-quarters of the British public support the introduction of an annual immigration limit, according to a poll by campaign group Migrationwatch UK. The survey, conducted by YouGov, found that 76% of respondents questioned supported an annual limit on the number of immigrants allowed to come to Britain.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
