The government's proposed changes to Australia's citizenship laws could die this week as Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has failed to generate support for the idea in the senate.

"It's looking awfully like Peter Dutton has thrown up the white flag on his white Australia policy and this is a great day for multicultural Australia," said Greens Senator Nick McKim, as quoted by the SBS.

The proposals included a tough, university-level English language test, a four-year waiting period for permanent residents before they can apply to become a citizen, and more powers for the minister.  This is opposed by Labor, the Greens, and the Nick Xenophon Team (NXT).  The English proficiency was especially a tough sell, and Mr. Dutton's offer for a less-draconian version of English testing didn't attract new support.

"We will still be rejecting the bill," NXT senator Stirling Griff said to Fairfax Media.  "Just amending the English language test and retrospectivity is not sufficient."

If debate does not get underway by Wednesday evening, the legislation will be removed from the Senate notice paper, requiring the government to win a motion to restore it at a later stage.

"I think the best thing they could do is just quietly drop the proposals," said Labor leader Bill Shorten.  "Here's an idea for Dutton - maybe he should talk to us before he announces this stuff."