Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

As an immigrant who has been living in the Netherlands for three years, raising three children who are fluent in Dutch and fully integrated into Dutch society, I am deeply concerned about the proposed bill to extend the naturalization period from five to ten years.

When I moved here, I made a deliberate and committed choice to integrate. I learned the language, secured employment, and actively participated in the community. The current five-year term gave me a clear and achievable path to Dutch citizenship in 2027—a milestone I’ve been working toward with dedication and hope, not just for myself but for my family.

Extending this period feels like moving the goalposts while I’m already halfway through the journey. It delays my ability to vote, to travel freely as a Dutch citizen, and to be fully recognized as a member of the society I already contribute to. This is especially disheartening for families like mine who have embraced Dutch values and built their lives here.
Moreover, the Netherlands already has a longer naturalization period than many developed countries. For example:

Argentina grants citizenship after just 2 years of residency. [Top 16 Eas...Explained]
Paraguay and Uruguay offer citizenship in 3 to 5 years. [Top 16 Eas...Explained]
Brazil allows naturalization in 4 years, or even 1 year if married or with children. [Top 16 Eas...Explained]
Canada requires 3 years of residency within a 5-year period. [Top 16 Eas...Explained]

These examples show that integration is not merely a matter of time—it’s about commitment, contribution, and connection. Removing exceptions such as marriage to a Dutch partner or statelessness only makes the path harder for those in vulnerable situations.

I urge the government and the House of Representatives to consider the real-life impact of this proposal. Give us a fair and reasonable path to citizenship. Don’t make it harder for those who are already proving every day that they belong. Dutch citizenship is more than a passport—it is a recognition of who we are and who we strive to be.