The humanitarian category includes refugees from former Yugoslavia and people from countries such as Sudan, Cambodia, Vietnam and East Timor. All three groups are important to a balanced program. Migrants are eligible to become citizens after two years' residence, and many do. In some countries only citizens may own property. So a decision about naturalisation is not simply a question of 'national loyalty'.
People are more on the move now than at any time in history.
Only Canada, the USA and Australia maintain regular immigration programs. Most Western countries have put up barriers. Visas are the first line of defence. Anyone who is not a citizen needs a visa to come to Australia, either as a tourist or a migrant. Meanwhile nearly 30,000 citizens or residents will leave to live and work elsewhere.