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Author: P. S. Suryanarayana
Publication: The Hindu
Date: December 14, 2006
URL: http://www.hindu.com/2006/12/14/stories/2006121403511400.htm
Introduction: Move intended to keep out West Asians, say critics
Australia plans to grant citizenship to new immigrants only on the basis of a mandatory test. The "computer-based citizenship test" will be programmed to screen the applicants on two counts - English language skill and their "understanding" of the "core Australian values."
Refuting that the aim was to deny citizenship to those from West Asia who might not share the "liberal Western values," Australian Prime Minister John Howard said in Sydney on Tuesday that the planned test "is not designed in any way to keep some people out and encourage others to come in."
Applicants from a Western background are also not exempted from the test. And, according to regional diplomats, there is nothing in the proposed legislation that could discourage people from countries like India, in particular. There are nearly 100,000 "India-born Australians" now.
Far from being a "discriminatory" move, it "is a test that affirms the desirability of more fully integrating newcomers into the mainstream of Australian society," Mr. Howard emphasised. Australia "wants a unifying commitment to the values and the future of this society."
Observers point out that the new political initiative, already in the works for several months, acquires importance in the recent context of "non-liberal" views being openly expressed by some migrants to Australia. Similar regulatory moves by countries like the United Kingdom also provide a backdrop for the Australian bill.
Mr. Howard identified some of the Australian values of relevance to the applicants: democracy, belief in a free media, equality of men and women, the concepts of "mateship" and looking after the very vulnerable in the community and so on.
The mandatory minimum period of residence in Australia for taking the "citizenship test," entirely on a voluntary basis, would be four years, and the unsuccessful applicants could have as many further chances as they might choose.
The successful candidates would then be required to "sign a commitment" to the Australian way of life and take the existing pledge of loyalty, according to Andrew Robb, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs.
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