London: Britain plans to tighten the criteria for granting citizenship and any immigrant judged unpatriotic will be denied the right under a new system.
Foreigners will have to earn points to become British citizens, according to the new plan to be introduced by the Home Office.
Applicants with "un-British" behaviour or accused of unpatriotic acts like protesting against British troops, will be denied citizenship. Immigrants will be denied passports if they have a history of anti-social behaviour, even if they have never been convicted.
Under the new rule, 10 years of stay in the country will be a prerequisite for a person to get British passport, instead of the present five-year stay.
A separate system was introduced last year under which immigrants have to earn points - based on skills and qualifications - to be allowed to stay in UK.
A Home Office source said, "Points could be deducted for those who fail to integrate into British life. This would be anti-social behaviour. It could also cover unpatriotic behaviour such as protesting against British troops.
"Basically, act like a yob and you won't get through to the probationary citizenship stage," he added.
Immigration Minister Phil Woolas will outline details of how immigrants will be expected to "earn" a British passport by accumulating points for voluntary work, speaking English, paying taxes or having useful skills.