Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

I would like to provide my feedback on the proposed change to lengthen the naturalization period from five years to ten years.

I am not in favor of this extension, for the following reasons:

1. Integration and Social Belonging
Citizenship plays a vital role in helping newcomers feel fully part of society. Extending the waiting period postpones access to rights and obligations, which slows down integration. A ten-year requirement risks leaving many residents feeling excluded and disconnected from full participation in civic life.

2. Alignment with European and Global Practices
In most EU countries, naturalization periods range between five and eight years. Raising the requirement to ten years would make [country] one of the strictest in Europe, raising concerns about fairness and consistency with international norms.

3. Consequences for Families and Communities
Many long-term residents already make significant contributions through employment, taxes, and community engagement. For them, a longer waiting period only delays the stability and security that citizenship provides. This could also negatively affect children who may feel less rooted in the country where they are growing up.

4. Better Alternatives to Support Integration
If the objective is to strengthen integration, this can be better achieved through policies that encourage civic involvement and community participation, rather than by imposing a substantially longer waiting time.

Conclusion
For these reasons, I respectfully urge that the naturalization period remain at five years. Efforts to promote integration should focus on inclusion and active participation, rather than on extending the timeline for citizenship.