It is the compromise to satisfy all political persuasions in Australia.

• Only citizens get to vote for government.
• You are eligible to apply for citizenship if
  • at least one of your parents was a citizen, or if at least two of your grand-parents were citizens; and
  • you have been in the country for at least two years of your life, or all your life.
• Non citizens either
  • have a visa which entitles them to remain in the country until it expires; or
  • are illegal in which case they are to be either given a visa or removed.

This solution satisfies the concerns of both the traditional 'left' and 'right' in the immigration debate.

It satisfies the right by addressing the 'swamped by Asians' fear by the Hansonites. If millions of people come in with visas they cannot force a change of government - the government is chosen by those who have citizenship. If migrants intermarry, then their children have citizenship. If they do not integrate into the rest of society then their children to not get citizenship.

It satisfies the left by allowing large numbers of people to come to the country and receive appropriate compassion and help. The doors can be opened to many others who have the choice of where they want to live. People don't need to have a vote to be helped. They can be helped as guests.

This policy does however discourage people from coming to Australia who are motivated by their desire to change it. Most people who come to Australia want to come here because they like they way that Australia is run. Australians, though the democratic process have chosen a path of low violence, low corruption and comparatively sensible economic policy. New arrivals do not have the option of changing the system except through genuine integration, something which few citizens would object to.