(photo of the Daily Mail, (Michael Pezzullo) (, Secretary of the Home Affairs Department)
The coalition government is considering amending the law so that the Ministry of Home Affairs can gather relevant information from the time prospective immigrants submit their applications to ensure that migrants accept Australian values rather than hold extremist views while they are in the process of doing so. Playing with Australia`s immigration system.
(Michael Pezzullo), under-Secretary of the Interior, told the Daily Telegraph that the government was actively considering the matter. Before foreigners acquire Australian citizenship or even emigrate to Australia, the Australian government intends to use information from various sources to assess it, he said.
Pezorro said the government`s assessment would use "extensive data resources" to examine the possibility of "adapting to and living in line with Australian values" by analysing the "habits" of potential immigrants. Examine whether they can integrate into society and respect Western beliefs such as gender equality, freedom of expression and freedom of religion, and say they will incorporate Australian values into law.
Mr. Pezorro said such an assessment of immigrants would take place at three time points: before coming to Australia, while in Australia and at the time of naturalization. It is reported that the relevant laws have not been submitted to Congress, also not seen in the media reports. But Mr. Pezorro said such an assessment would ensure that those involved would not falsify answers in order to pass the citizenship exam. The system applies to all foreigners who intend to emigrate and will prevent extremists from sneaking into Australia. "naturalization can`t be a simple exam. You need to aggregate other data resources to check your life habits and experiences." Pezorro said.
Citizen Affairs Secretary (Alan Tudge) Tucci told the Daily Telegraph that the government wants to adopt a "continuous review" model, rather than a "one-off assessment", before immigration applications are naturalized. He also pointed out that the key to the success of a multicultural society is the integration of residents and acceptance of Australian values. The Government hopes to "improve the English proficiency requirements and clearly demonstrate the applicant`s acceptance of Australian values and efforts to integrate into society."
As currently required, Australian citizens are obliged to abide by the law, defend Australia if necessary, and vote in elections. Australia`s core values include respect for individual freedom, freedom of speech and religion.
Australia has received about one hundred and ninety thousand permanent immigrants a year since 2011, most of them skilled and family migrants, according to the annual immigration report. It is not clear how many applicants will be vetted under the government`s new plan.
Labour Senator Cameron (Doug Cameron) on Tuesday accused the government of playing politics against potential refugees and immigrants. But another Labour senator, (Jenny McAllister) McArest, said the opposition would wait for the government to release details of the plan.
Neutral Senator Lionjem (David Leyonhjelm) said he would like to see the government keep raising the threshold for naturalization, but questioned the need for immigration to be censored before coming to Australia.
