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The submission argues the proposed changes are discriminatory and contrary to equality and a “Fair Go”, especially regarding longer residence requirements, more stringent English language competency testing, an Australian Values Statement, and assessment of integration. 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I have lived in Australia since 1998, having emigrated from the UK where I was born. My parents, who were both from Mauritius, immigrated to England in the 1950's prior to my birth. I was delighted and proud to be accepted as an Australian citizen some years after moving to Australia. I love this country and its people in all their multicultural diversity. I believe I have made a valuable contribution to Australia and its people both through my former career and now through my voluntary work.  \nI am very concerned that the proposed changes to the citizenship bill of 2007 is both discriminatory and un-Australian as we are a country that is supposed to value a \"Fair Go\" for all and in recent history we have chosen to uphold laws against racial discrimination. I'm particularly worried about the following sections of the proposal and have put my arguments under each change that I'm concerned about.  \nThe Bill amends the Act to:  \n* Increase the general residence requirement to require citizenship by conferral applicants to have been a permanent resident for at least four years before they are eligible to apply for citizenship;  \nPeople waiting for citizenship that have become permanent residents have already waited several years to get their permanent residency and undergone many checks and assessments just to reach this stage. By delaying their right to citizenship we are denying them the chance to vote and participate as full Australians. I believe this undermines our democratic process as we will have increasingly large numbers of people who have been granted permanent residency but have no right to vote. I don't believe that creates a healthy society.  \n* Require most applicants to provide evidence of competent English language proficiency before they can make a valid application for citizenship;  \nMany current citizens of Australia would fail the English language test proposed by the new legislation, yet still hold down jobs, contribute to our economy and are committed to Australia. The new bill will discriminate against those with permanent residency status whose first language is not English, and also discriminate against anyone without a university style education. We will end up recreating a society where education, and also money, differentiates one member of our society from another, introducing anew class-based system. Again this goes against equality and a fair go for all, and should be an anathema to all Australians.  \nThe English language test as it stands is already particularly difficult for Immigrants from Asia, especially the Chinese and Vietnamese. Increasing the difficulty can only result in more permanent residents either failing their citizenship test or even not trying to become a citizen. These people may feel discriminated against and become increasingly disenfranchised. I see no advantage in raising the standard in order for more people to fail and thereby divide society.  \n* Require applicants to sign an Australian Values Statement in order to make a valid application for citizenship;  \nI've pondered for a long time regarding what constitutes Australian values as this is a phrase that has become increasingly bandied about. Some of our values now may be very different to the values the First Nation peoples of Australia had, and different to those that were held 100 years ago, 50 years ago  \nAustralian Citizenship Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the Requirements for Australian Citizenship and Other  \nMeasures) Bill 2017  \nSubmission 344  \nor even 10 years ago. In our quickly evolving world will our values (whatever those are) be relevant in 10 or even 5 years time?","cbCaifzB88hVGQ7i","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaifzB88hVGQ7i","pdf",83609,"English","# Submission overview\n## Residence requirement and voting rights\n## English language proficiency requirement\n## Australian Values Statement\n## Integration into the Australian community","[{\"question\":\"Who is making this submission and what is their background?\",\"answer\":\"Dr Sheknaz Graham explains she has lived in Australia since 1998 after emigrating from the UK, with parents from Mauritius. She states she was later accepted as an Australian citizen and is involved in voluntary work.\"},{\"question\":\"What does the submission argue about the proposed residence requirement increase?\",\"answer\":\"It claims requiring permanent residents to wait at least four years before applying delays their right to vote and participation, undermining democratic processes and social cohesion.\"},{\"question\":\"How does the submission respond to the proposed English language proficiency requirement?\",\"answer\":\"It argues many existing citizens would fail the proposed test, while permanent residents whose first language is not English and those without university-style education may be unfairly discriminated against, leading to class-based inequality.\"}]","Australian Citizenship Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the Requirements for Australian Citizenship and Other Measures) Bill 2017 - Submission 344 - Submission regarding changes to citizenship requirements | PDF"]