The Influence of Chinese Immigration on Citizenship

Abstract

This article is from a paper given at a conference in 2000 which sought to do two things. First it draws out some of the legal issues central to citizenship and displays how they relate to the other disciplines in the development of citizenship in Australia. It argues there has not been a clear legal framework within which to develop an understanding of citizenship in Australia. Secondly, it argues that Chinese immigration to Australia in the second half of the 19th century was central to the evolution of citizenship in this country. Moreover, this factor has influenced the development of a legal framework that is confused, ambiguous, and contradictory about citizenship.

Keywords: Citizenship, Chinese, immigration

JEL Classification: K10