Sweden Mulls Laws Allowing Govt to Deport Immigrants for ‘Shortcomings in Lifestyle’

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s minority rightwing government came to power a year ago – with backing from the far-right Sweden Democrats (SD) – vowing to crack down on immigration and crime.

{snip}

Paulina Brandberg, Minister for Gender Equality, told reporters the government would review Swedish legislation to determine if there were specific grounds for revoking residence permits.

However, she listed potential examples of “shortcomings in lifestyles,” including benefits fraud, debt, a dishonest livelihood, substance abuse, as well as association with criminal networks or violent and extremist groups “threatening basic Swedish values”.

Brandberg said the review would also look into “whether it’s possible and appropriate to include statements that seriously threaten basic Swedish democratic values.”

{snip}

“A basic principle of Swedish immigration law is that only Swedish citizens have an unconditional right to reside in Sweden,” Ludvig Aspling, migration spokesman for the Sweden Democrats, told reporters.

{snip}

Speaking to public broadcaster Sveriges Radio, Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer also announced a probe looking at increasing powers on revoking citizenship.

{snip}