Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative Party, has proposed that immigrants should face tougher challenges in gaining British citizenship. She believes that people should show a strong commitment to the UK before earning a passport.

Her plan suggests that immigrants should have to wait at least 15 years before they can apply for British citizenship.

According to Badenoch, the process of immigration has been too fast, making it difficult for immigrants to integrate into British society.

She argued that a UK passport should be considered a privilege, not something everyone automatically receives.

Currently, immigrants can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after five years. Badenoch wants this waiting period to be doubled to 10 years.

In addition, people with ILR should wait five years, instead of just one year, before applying for citizenship.

There would also be new conditions for anyone applying for ILR. These would include proving they haven’t claimed benefits or used social housing, have a clean criminal record, and contribute positively to the UK economy.

While most work visas already prevent immigrants from using public funds or social housing, a criminal record can delay or stop someone from getting ILR.

Badenoch has not said how much her plan would reduce immigration but emphasized that it is the right approach.