The German government has announced that the number of people seeking asylum dropped by nearly a third in 2003, reaching its lowest level since 1984 as applications from Iraqis, Afghans and Turkish decreased.  The German government is trying to pass an immigration law meant to admit highly qualified workers while tightening asylum rules, but the legislation is being blocked by conservative states that object that the law fails to impose sufficient limits on the inflow of foreign workers and refugees.

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Currently, Portuguese children must have proof of legal residency in order to register for a public school or receive medical treatment. Portugal’s government plans to table legislation by the end of January, which would grant the children of illegal immigrants to the country access to public services, such as education.  The number of people in Portugal who are foreign-born compose about 5% of the nation’s population, which is one of the highest proportions in the European Union.

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According to opposition leader Mark Latham, one of the biggest problems for Australia’s migration system are the number of illegal migrants who are being exploited.  Latham wants the government to crackdown on the nations borders.

Latham said that foreigners working in Australia would be issued a photo identity card when their visa is granted, which would expire with the visa.  Any immigrant found to be without the ID card will be deported and those who employ illegal workers would also face certain penalties.

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Ontario’s Liberal government is considering reforming the current system for identifying people by using biometric data on drivers’ licenses and other internationally recognized documents as part of a continent-wide effort to prevent identity theft.  Former immigration minister Denis Coderre had supported the idea of a national identity card before he was switched to another post late last year.