End reliance on automated administrative decision-making in determining citizenship
End reliance on automated administrative decision-making in determining citizenship
The issue
My name is a testament to the struggle many face when navigating through the complexities of the Australian Citizenship. Over a decade back, I set foot in the country, seeking for a peaceful life only to see my application for citizenship and that of my dependent children, refused. The responsibility to provide an overseas clearance, documenting my good character since turning 18, became a roadblock. Unfortunately, my country of origin could not provide the required information.
The Department of Home Affairs is increasingly relying on non-legal policies, such as the Citizenship Procedural Instructions (CPIs) and automated decision-making, to assess an individual's application. They dig deep into the applicant's past, often requiring documents dating back to the time when they turned 18 without any evidence of wrongdoing, even if it is beyond the prescribed 10-year period. This reliance is causing unjustifiable refusals of citizenship. According to the Law Council, the potential for accountability deficits is clear.
Like Robodebt, automated decision-making can potentially overlook the actual citizenship legislation, which often leads to asking applicants for criminal clearances over an extended period of time. By giving precedence to automated decision-making over legislation, we are allowing hypothetical guidelines to determine the fate of those who seek to be citizens of this beautiful country, making the process overly rigid and impractical.
What becomes lost in this process is the notion of fairness and justice. It's high time that we call on the Department of Home Affairs to cease relying on automated decision-making in determining citizenship and start abiding by the precise Citizenship Act.
Let's rally together and put an end to this struggle that many of us are all too familiar with. Your signature will lend a voice to countless other rightful applicants who have been hampered by this unjust method. Sign the petition and take a stand for fairness and justice.
1
The issue
My name is a testament to the struggle many face when navigating through the complexities of the Australian Citizenship. Over a decade back, I set foot in the country, seeking for a peaceful life only to see my application for citizenship and that of my dependent children, refused. The responsibility to provide an overseas clearance, documenting my good character since turning 18, became a roadblock. Unfortunately, my country of origin could not provide the required information.
The Department of Home Affairs is increasingly relying on non-legal policies, such as the Citizenship Procedural Instructions (CPIs) and automated decision-making, to assess an individual's application. They dig deep into the applicant's past, often requiring documents dating back to the time when they turned 18 without any evidence of wrongdoing, even if it is beyond the prescribed 10-year period. This reliance is causing unjustifiable refusals of citizenship. According to the Law Council, the potential for accountability deficits is clear.
Like Robodebt, automated decision-making can potentially overlook the actual citizenship legislation, which often leads to asking applicants for criminal clearances over an extended period of time. By giving precedence to automated decision-making over legislation, we are allowing hypothetical guidelines to determine the fate of those who seek to be citizens of this beautiful country, making the process overly rigid and impractical.
What becomes lost in this process is the notion of fairness and justice. It's high time that we call on the Department of Home Affairs to cease relying on automated decision-making in determining citizenship and start abiding by the precise Citizenship Act.
Let's rally together and put an end to this struggle that many of us are all too familiar with. Your signature will lend a voice to countless other rightful applicants who have been hampered by this unjust method. Sign the petition and take a stand for fairness and justice.
1
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Petition created on 27 June 2024