New citizenship rules published
Thursday, 15 January 2009 12:00 AM
By politics.co.uk staff
Becoming a British citizen will become markedly harder under new rules published today.
Migrants will now have to live in the country for six years before being allowed citizenship, and committing minor crimes will slow down the process.
The measures are included in the borders, immigration and citizenship bill.
There will, however, be a speedier process for those migrants who have employment, pay tax and can demonstrate a contribution to their community.
There are also requirements for basic understanding of the country and the ability to speak English.
Shadow home secretary Dominic Grieve said: "If passing new immigration laws made our borders secure, we would have the safest borders in the world."
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