Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

This is an objection to the proposed bill that aims to extend the naturalization period in the Netherlands from five to ten years. The bill is flawed and should be rejected for several key reasons.
First, this extension will hinder, not help, integration. A prolonged waiting period creates a state of legal and social limbo for thousands of individuals, making it harder for them to fully invest in Dutch society. True integration comes from active participation and a sense of belonging, not from a decade of waiting. This long delay will make it more difficult for people to fully participate in civic life, access equal rights, and build a stable future.
Second, the bill is unjust and unnecessary. It unfairly penalizes people who have already fulfilled the five-year residency requirement, learned the language, and contributed to the country as taxpayers and community members. Forcing them to wait another five years sends a message that their contributions are not valued and that they are not worthy of full citizenship, despite meeting all established criteria.
Furthermore, the bill carries negative societal consequences. A difficult and lengthy path to citizenship risks marginalizing people and eroding social trust. It could also make the Netherlands a less attractive destination for international talent, as other countries have more reasonable naturalization laws. The bill's proposal to remove exceptions to the naturalization term is also misguided, making the process less flexible and humane.
Instead of creating more barriers, the government should focus on policies that support and accelerate integration. This includes providing better access to language training and civic education, helping newcomers become active, engaged citizens sooner.
In conclusion, this bill is a step backward for the Netherlands. It is based on a flawed premise and will likely lead to a more divided society. We urge the government to reject this proposal in favor of policies that foster inclusion and belonging for everyone.