Government Fails On Citizenship Test
The Age
Monday June 11, 2007
Migrants should not be judged on language skills and values.
UNTIL recently, Australian citizenship was acquired by migrants who had lived in Australia for a period of time. This was good for migrants, refugees and also Australians.Migrants look for a place in which they can have a better quality of life and opportunities for them and their families. Refugees look for a safe place to call home and be sheltered along with their families. These immigrants not only take the advantages and opportunities a country like Australia gives them, but also help shape Australia in many different ways. Immigrants bring their culture, values and customs with them. Australians have the opportunity to learn about different backgrounds, nationalities and religions because of the migrants. In other words, Australians become more educated about the world and its people because they have the experience of meeting and socialising with them.Despite this, the Australian Government has implemented a law that states that migrants wanting to attain Australian citizenship must first take a citizenship test.The Government must understand that testing migrants in a foreign language, culture and values is unjust and senseless. Being an immigrant myself, I understand the difficulties of living in a country that does not let you truly become part of it because of a meaningless test.Luckily, my family and I were able to attain citizenship because we came when the law only required migrants to live in Australia for a given period of time before acquiring the citizenship. However, this does not make me any less affected by it because I know and see the complications and fears fellow migrants are experiencing through the test. They work hard and strive to learn a new language. Most of them work in places where they do not entirely understand what is said to them but try hard to do their job. They watch TV and listen to music in English to see if they can improve their ability with the language in that way. They try to participate in the Australian community in various ways such as learning the values, culture and overall the Australian idiosyncrasies. They pay tribute to the army corps on Anzac Day and to the nation on Australia Day. They sing the Australian anthem with pride and honour because they are happy to be in this country, which they now call home. Even though sometimes they are from different religions to the majority of the Australian community, they pay respect to the religious events such as Christmas and Easter. They understand the water-shortage problems and try to use it effectively. They learn to care for the Australian flora and fauna. They learn to be Australians in their life, not by studying for a test. Migrants that do not come to Australia knowing English are given free community English lessons. I remember both of my parents going every morning to take them. They used to tell me that it is not enough to fully understand the language.They also had to stop taking the lessons because they had to work and provide for me and my brother. After a few years now, they speak English so much better than when they first came. My father was finally able to get a job in his career because his English improved. My mother also works and is happy to communicate in her new language. They are both so proud that they can express themselves in their new language. They know plenty about Australian culture and values and proudly went on to become citizens, without having to take a test. If the Government really cared for Australia being a multicultural nation, then it should not make it so difficult for immigrants to attain citizenship. The Government is only doing damage through this test. It takes time to become an Australian. It takes time for people to learn Australian values and culture. Most seem to get there eventually. Most new migrants and future proud Australians really do try their best. The test is unnecessary.Adela Aliaga-Yori is in year 12 at Emmaus College.
© 2007 The Age