Australia is requiring its new citizens to do this. When will we?

Last updated on: April 21, 2017 at 7:10 am by Mark Meckler

Australia is requiring its new citizens to do this. When will we? 2017-04-21T07:10:18-06:00 Mark Meckler

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

sydney-opera-sydney-opera-landmark-australia

Australia has announced a new citizenship test that raises the bar on new entrants into the country and I think it’s something the United States should adopt and soon.

According to Reuters, new citizens will have to wait out an extended waiting period and will have to take an “Australian values” test before gaining citizenship. Also, no longer will a cursory knowledge of English be enough. It’s all part of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s vision of putting “Australia First.” Sound familiar?

From Reuters:

On Thursday, Turnbull said basic English would no longer be sufficient to become an Australian citizen under the new test.

Applicants need a minimum level 6.0 equivalent of the International English Language Testing System, and a person will only become eligible for citizenship after four years as a permanent resident, up from one year.

“What we are doing is strengthening our multicultural society and strengthening our values,” Turnbull told reporters in Canberra. “Australian citizenship should be honored, cherished. It’s a privilege.”

“I reckon if we went out today and said to Australians, “Do you think you could become an Australian citizen without being able to speak English?” They’d say, “You’re kidding. Surely you’d have to be able to speak English.”

Turnbull said the current immigration process was mainly “administrative” while the citizenship test largely a “civics test.”

The current citizenship multiple-choice questionnaire tests a person’s knowledge of Australian laws, national symbols and colors of the Aboriginal flag. But Turnbull said it was not adequate to judge whether a person would accept “Australian values.”

“If we believe that respect for women and children and saying no to violence…is an Australian value, and it is, then why should that not be made a key part, a fundamental part, a very prominent part, of our process to be an Australian citizen? Why should the test simply be a checklist of civic questions?”

It’s good to see a country stand up for its laws and core values and — gasp — demand the same from its citizens.

Australia is waking up. When will we?

Photo credit: Foter.com

Uncategorized

Previous Post

April 20, 2017

Is Trump Serious About The “Era of Justice” Beginning? Then the IRS Needs To Feel It

Next Post

April 21, 2017 President Trump will speak at NRA forum. Let the liberal tears flow

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Uncategorized

Select a Month July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What was the rider of the Red Horse in Revelation given?

Select your answer to see how you score.

A crown A balance scale A bow A large sword