Migrants who want to be Australian citizens have expressed relief after the citizenship laws proposed by the government failed to reach a Senate debate.
In a tactical move by the Greens, the legislation was struck from the Senate notice paper after Immigration Minister Peter Dutton could not gather crossbench support for the controversial proposals in time for a 7:20pm deadline.
Peter Moloney, from South Australia, said the proposed changes had put him in limbo despite living in the country with his Australian wife for five years.
"I was excited to apply for Australian citizenship," the Irish native told SBS News.
"I have a really strong connection to this country. I'm 31 and have spent a significant proportion of my life here and I want to pledge allegiance to it because I feel I have a very strong conviction to that."
Mr Moloney was told last October there was an issue with his paperwork and would be required to reapply in June.
Peter Moloney says he was excited to apply for Australian citizenship and has a strong conviction to this country (Courtesy of Peter Moloney) Source: Courtesy of Peter Moloney
The government's announcement in April this year then ruled him out from making an application until late 2019 because he had only been a permanent resident for less than two years.
The proposed changes required him to be a permanent resident for at least four years.
"I've had sleepless nights because I've been worried about them," Mr Moloney said.
"This was the first time that I felt like I wasn't welcomed in this country.
"It worries me that I may [one day] have Australian children and their father is not an Australian citizen."
Mr Moloney remains concerned the issue may re-emerge in the future but was pleased it had been strongly opposed.
Peter Moloney said the proposed changes put him in limbo despite living in this country with his Australian wife for five years (Courtesy of Peter Moloney) Source: Courtesy of Peter Moloney
"I'm just worried what may come out in the future but today is a good day. I think we have to realise that a lot of good people have put in time to get today's result, politicians and citizens, and it's a day to recognise it's a very good day for Australia but realise it's not over."
Khizer Baloch and his wife, who have two children born in Australia, have also welcomed the news.
"Australia is famous for being multicultural," the 36-year-old, from Brisbane, said.
"People from all over the world have come to live together. And that's all we wanted as well, to be accepted in the community and Australian people as well."
Mr Baloch arrived in Australia in 2009 and received his permanent residency status last August.
Khizer Baloch's children were born in Australia, making them citizens (Courtesy of Khizer Baloch) Source: Courtesy of Khizer Baloch
The same obstacle faced by Mr Moloney would have also made Mr Baloch and his wife ineligible to apply for three more years, putting strain on his family's future.
"I'm very happy, to be honest. It's a relief for me and my family. And we can get back our routine life without thinking anything will happen tomorrow," he told SBS News.
"We can live our normal lives."
