London: Britain plans to tighten the criteria
for granting citizenship and any immigrant judged unpatriotic
will be denied the right under a new system.
Foreigners will have to earn points to become British
citizens, according to the new plan to be introduced by the
Home Office.
Applicants with "unBritish" behaviour or accused of
unpatriotic acts like protesting against British troops, will
be denied citizenship. Immigrants will be denied passports if
they have a history of anti-social behaviour, even if they
have never been convicted.
Under the new rule, 10 years of stay in the country will
be a prerequisite for a person to get British passport,
instead of the present five-year stay.
A separate system was introduced last year under which
immigrants have to earn points - based on skills and
qualifications - to be allowed to stay here.
A Home Office source said: "Points could be deducted for
those who fail to integrate into British life. This would be
anti-social behaviour. It could also cover unpatriotic
behaviour such as protesting against British troops.
"Basically, act like a yob and you won't get through to
the probationary citizenship stage."
Immigration Minister Phil Woolas will outline details of
how immigrants will be expected to "earn" a British passport
by accumulating points for voluntary work, speaking English,
paying taxes or having useful skills.
Bureau Report
First Published: Sunday, August 02, 2009, 09:55