Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

Dear Members of Parliament,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the bill extending the naturalization term from five to ten years. As a Highly Skilled Migrant invited to contribute to the Dutch economy, my family and I have established our home here with the full intention of building a permanent future. This proposal fundamentally alters the conditions under which we committed to making the Netherlands our home.

My family's life plans were based on the existing five-year path to citizenship. In good faith, I have already fulfilled the stringent integration requirements by passing the inburgeringsexamen, demonstrating my commitment to Dutch society. We acted on the promise of a clear and fair timeline.

Retroactively changing this requirement is a breach of trust. It unfairly moves the goalposts for thousands of residents who planned their lives based on current law. This bill creates a decade of uncertainty, relegating us to a temporary status despite our significant contributions through work, taxes, and community life.

The implications for my family are severe. My wife is training to become a teacher here, and our child knows only the Netherlands as home. Delaying our citizenship denies us the stability and security to fully participate in society, including voting. It sends a message that our proven integration and contributions are not valued.

This bill also harms the Netherlands' ability to attract global talent. A ten-year waiting period is a major deterrent for highly skilled professionals who have other options. This will inevitably have a negative impact on the Dutch economy and its capacity for innovation.

The current five-year term, paired with the demanding integration exams, is a fair and effective system. Extending it will not create better-integrated citizens; it will only alienate those of us who are already committed to this country. I urge you to reconsider this damaging proposal and maintain the five-year naturalization term. It is a system that rewards commitment and upholds the Netherlands' reputation as a fair, welcoming, and competitive nation.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

A Committed Resident of the Netherlands