Dual Citizenship Crisis - s 44(i)

[stui magpie]

https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/why-are-all-our-dual-citizens-white-20180510-p4zefh.html

Whether it's the point he was trying to make or not, it's some good food for thought for those who think we should scrap that section of the constitution.

Nobody got their knickers in a twist about any risks because the people were mainly british or Kiwi's.

But would we be happy to have an elected MP who was a citizen of Russia, or Iran, or China?

A mature, forward-thinking citizenry would, I think, because they would realise that the fact of attaining Australian citizenship is itself a sufficient requirement, and at least as much of a guarantee of loyalty as the accident of being born here (or being born to Australian-born parents, for that matter). Whether or not that includes the majority of Australians is another question.

I find it thoroughly disheartening that there is such strong opposition to a referendum on this stupid and outdated constitutional requirement in all corners of politics, even though the vast majority of Western countries have gotten on fine without it.

Someone can be born here, and thus be an Australian citizen, but have their allegiance elsewhere. I agree with P4S

[David]

[K]

...
Someone can be born here, and thus be an Australian citizen, but have their allegiance elsewhere. I agree with P4S

Umm... is that true? Does birth automatically confer citizenship?

[K]

... "... you should just be a lawyer, doctor, research scientist or stockbroker (I suppose there are other occupations but none come to mind, just now) like everybody else"?

Too much pot? Or wine?
How about footballer?

[David]

...
Someone can be born here, and thus be an Australian citizen, but have their allegiance elsewhere. I agree with P4S

Umm... is that true? Does birth automatically confer citizenship?

I believe so, yes.

[HAL]

True in some world.

[K]

...
Umm... is that true? Does birth automatically confer citizenship?

I believe so, yes.

..."if at least one parent is an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of the child's birth."

https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/life/chil

I think that's an important distinction. Some might want it tougher, e.g. both parents citizen, but I don't think the US has any restriction like that. Without checking, I think you could be illegally in the US and the kid would still be a citizen.

[Nick - Pie Man]

The best part about being born is that sometimes you win free citizenships for other countries too.

I'm a triple citizen, a fact I was completely ignorant of until this stuff happened and I started asking questions.

It's completely absurd that I can't be elected into parliament just because some other country I had nothing to do with says I'm its citizen. There are so many other, better reasons why I shouldn't be elected!

[Pies4shaw]

... "... you should just be a lawyer, doctor, research scientist or stockbroker (I suppose there are other occupations but none come to mind, just now) like everybody else"?

Too much pot? Or wine?
How about footballer?

"Footballer" isn't an occupation - it's just something you do at weekends to fill in your time until you qualify for full membership of the Australia Club.

You're right, though, that my comment was a little narrow - I forgot that whole range of things that The Poor do - like teaching and nursing and cleaning chicken fat off the walls at KFC and so on.

[ronrat]

not sure why the USA is mentioned. You can not be a President if not born there. I think there is also and minimum age restriction as well. Besides the unwriyyen fact you have to have emillions to start with.

[Mugwump]

[stui magpie]

The best part about being born is that sometimes you win free citizenships for other countries too.

I'm a triple citizen, a fact I was completely ignorant of until this stuff happened and I started asking questions.

It's completely absurd that I can't be elected into parliament just because some other country I had nothing to do with says I'm its citizen. There are so many other, better reasons why I shouldn't be elected!

Ditto, but I'm eligible.

With the talent pool of potential pollies suddenly depleted, I might think about that. Better than working for a living.

[K]

not sure why the USA is mentioned. You can not be a President if not born there...

If you go back and read that comment and a few preceding it, you will see that the local topic was citizenship conferred by birth, not presidency or any other political office.

[Jezza]

[K]

People should follow rules when they exist, but that doesn't mean they or we should not question whether they should still exist. When enough seemingly regular people are breaking a law, it's a sign that something may be wrong with the law (cf. copyright laws).