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On 14 July 2009 the UKBA announced that the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill is being considered by Parliament. The Government in the bill intends to make a number of changes to British nationality law.
One change is to amend the British Nationality Act 1981 so that a person born in the United Kingdom to a parent in the armed forces will be a British citizen. This currently happens anyway; The change will clarify the situation further.
On 9 July 170 people from more than 40 countries became Australian citizens in ceremonies across the country.
"On the occasion that marks Australia's creation as a nation, it is fitting to celebrate citizenship, the glue that holds our culturally diverse population together," Department of Immigration and Citizenship Secretary Andrew Metcalfe said.
There has been a significant increase in the numbers of people applying and being approved for UK citizenship. This year as many as a quarter of a million people may gain UK citizenship,
UK Citizenship Statistics:
It is perhaps not surprising that the UK Border Agency whose job it is to enforce the UK immigration laws has turned down the idea of an immigration amnesty.
On 17 June 2009 the UKBA responded to the new report published by the London School of Economics. The report suggested that an amnesty for illegal migrants would benefit the United Kingdom economy by £3 billion.
On 16 June 2009 Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced the introduction of new resource for employers interested in hiring overseas trained workers.
The event will highlight the unique range of skills, resources and opportunities offered by Australia.