The most recent targets are people from Asia and those of Islamic faith. Spouses and dependent children are the most common arrivals under the family category. Economic migrants may be individuals sponsored by Australian employers, business people setting up in Australia, or those with profesional training or skills seeking a better place to live. 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.