Posted on 12/05/2006 5:06:22 AM PST by Mrs Ivan
MIGRANTS hoping to settle in the UK are to be taught how to rake in state hand-outs.
They will be shown how to claim benefits, demand equal rights, make full use of the NHS and get parental leave.
Labour will expect immigrants to know such information as part of the Government’s “Britishness test”.
But if applicants fail, they will not face removal – they will merely be told to keep resitting the exam until they pass.
The Britishness test is being expanded to apply to immigrants seeking indefinite leave to remain, even if they are not asking for citizenship or a British passport.
Applicants will be taught how to buy a house and even about the tradition of buying a round of drinks in the pub.
Yet ministers have again ruled out any requirement that newcomers learn about Britain’s history.
Matthew Elliott, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “If the Government was serious about tackling our burgeoning welfare bill, then it wouldn’t be doing so much to flag up at every opportunity the benefits that immigrants are entitled to.
“These tests should place greater emphasis on our proud history and great achievements. We want settlers to work and to integrate into our community, not to claim benefits at the expense of taxpayers.”
Taxpayers already fork out more than £100billion a year in benefits and pensions and a further £70billion goes on the NHS.
Tory MP Philip Davies said: “If there is one thing most people coming to live in this country are qualified in it is knowing how to milk the system, and I expect lots will pass this test with flying colours.
“It is a prime example of the Government talking tough but delivering nothing.
“What most people want from a citizenship test is that people taking it show an affinity for the country and a commitment to integrate. This test puts no responsibility on them.”
Sir Andrew Green, chairman of MigrationWatch UK, added: “It is far more important that people should be aware of the history of the country than get access to the welfare state.”
Shadow Home Secretary David Davis said: “What ought to be taught to settlers is Britain’s noble traditions of democracy, freedom of speech and tolerance.
“This is at least as important as how to deal with government organisations.”
Citizenship tests were introduced last year for those applying for naturalisation to become Britons to demonstrate their knowledge of the UK and the English language.
From next April the tests will apply to all those seeking permission to settle indefinitely in the UK – even if they do not necessarily want to become citizens.
So far tests have been based on three chapters of the Life In The UK pamphlet about British society, population, religion, traditions and how the country is governed.
But applicants will now also be examined on two other chapters that focus on “everyday needs” and employment.
They include details on how to apply for council housing or homeless support, council tax reductions, the NHS and benefits.
There are also sections on equal rights and discrimination, pensions, unemployment allowance and what statutory leave new mothers and fathers are entitled to.
The chapters even give practical advice on buying a house, using solicitors, utility companies, money, education and transport – and pubs.
However, the tests will still not question applicants on the first chapter of the Life In The UK pamphlet – which provides a potted history of Britain.
There are courses, both private and at local authority colleges, to help applicants prepare for the exam.
A Home Office spokeswoman said the aim was to “test people more broadly on the document rather than just three chapters”.
Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said knowledge of life in the UK would give “practical help and support in areas such as law, housing, education and engaging in the wider community”.
He added: “It is essential that migrants wishing to live in the UK permanently recognise that there are responsibilities that go with this.
“Having a good grasp of English is essential in order for them to play a full role in society and properly integrate into our communities.” Some 180,000 people apply for settlement in the UK every year, while there were more than 217,000 applications for citizenship last year.
The Britishness tests have been criticised because migrants can sit the exam again and again, so long as they pay the £34 fee each time.
Applicants face 24 multiple choice questions and must get 75 per cent correct.
Currently, around seven in 10 pass – but those whose English is very poor do not have to sit the test. Instead they are allowed to attend an English language and citizenship course where they are taught about life in the UK.
However, thousands of people are failing to take English language lessons because courses are being clogged up by Eastern Europeans.
Many are so fed up waiting they sit the citizenship tests without fully mastering the language – and increase their chances of failing.
I didn't think that I could have less respect for the government of this country.
..this sort of stuff has been going on in the US for decades
Doogle
.."this sort of stuff has been going on in the US for decades"
I'm afraid it's going to get worse. Blanket Amnesty is on the table for Jan.
Greetings Mrs. Ivan. It makes me sad to watch England self-destruct. Of course, it will happen here too, unless we can find a way to avoid your fate of being smothered by socialists.
...it is strange how the Congress and Senate go against the wishes of the American people. If you remember during the recent displays of anarchy...the American public WAS AGAINST amnesty by a very large percentage..(something like 80%)..it's no wonder they can't handle a crises
Doogle
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