Immigrant benefits to be chopped
HUNDREDS of thousands of immigrants will be DENIED state handouts under a tough shake-up of our border laws.
Those coming from outside Europe will only get benefits if they become British citizens or permanent residents here.
The move will save £350 million in just five years. And last night Immigration Minister Phil Woolas insisted that action was vital to counter voters' fears about the number of migrants coming here.
He said the racist British National Party had exploited people's anger and frustration in the European elections and the government needed to address these legitimate concerns.
Under a new Immigration Bill, immigrants will have to earn citizenship-rather than being granted it automatically after being in the country for a number of years.
They will have to prove their commitment to Britain if they are to get benefits. In the next few weeks the government will outline plans for an Australian- style "points-based" citizenship system.
Mr Woolas told the News of the World: "Let me be very clear-this government will never pander to racism nor scapegoat immigrants.
"But we HAVE to talk about these issues. We are taking action to control numbers but we have to do more.
"To those who say this is pandering, I say it is sensible for Britain, will decrease discrimination and will help immigrants who have the right to be here to get on in life."
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This article has 1 comment
How about any immigrant who comes to britain has to pay into the benefit system for 7years before they are allowed any benefits/health care,and if they need healthcare while here they will have to take a loan out to pay for their health treatment.Its wrong that people can just walk into britain and gain the right to health/benefits straight away and that includes legal aid to fight deortation.
By Ace Riley. Posted August 23 2009 at 12:41 AM.