Immigration minister Phil Woolas has outlined plans to ensure immigrants earn their right to benefits.
In an interview with the Sun, Woolas outlined proposals to make immigrants serve a five-year “probationary citizenship” before they can gain a passport.
He said that newcomers to Britain will have to prove to authorities that they are here to work.
Woolas told the Sun: "Entitlement to benefits should be for citizens of our country, not other people.
"If you are a citizen you have earned the right to benefits. People must show they are here to work."
He told the newspaper that immigrants who avoid crime and spend time doing voluntary work could become eligible for benefits one or two years after their ‘probation’.
However, if someone fails to adhere to the new standards, they could have to wait for a further five years before they can claim for social housing and state benefits.
Woolas’ proposals will be included in the new Borders, Immigration and Citizenship Bill, to be published in January.
Woolas added: "It has been too easy for illegal immigrants to stay in this country. We have not counted them in and out."
The prime minister's spokesman confirmed that Woolas’ statement reflected government policy.
He said at the daily press briefing: "Phil Woolas is outlining government policy on this.
"The prime minister, for some time now, has been making his view clear, which is that we welcome immigration to this country. Migrants can make a significant contribution, but it is also important that they are properly integrated into British society."
Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd