Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

Dear Government, I understand and respect your decision to extend the naturalisation period from five to ten years, but I hope you can hear the human side of this change. My family and I moved to the Netherlands in 2023, and from the very first day, we felt at home. We were touched by the kindness, tolerance, and fairness that are such a strong part of Dutch life. We've done our best to live by those values, to work hard, and to contribute to this society—not just through taxes, but by being active, caring members of our community. For us, getting a Dutch passport after five years wasn't just an administrative milestone—it was the promise of fully belonging, or calling this wonderful country our true home. Integration isn't something that happens overnight, or even in five years, but those first years are when you plant the seeds of belonging. We've been nurturing that connection every single day. This new law will make that dream feel much further away, and for many expats like me, it's discouraging to see something we've been working towards suddenly pushed out of reach. I'm asking that you consider the impact on the people who are already here, already contributing, and already close to the finish line. It would mean a great deal if those of us in this situation could be exempt from the change. The Netherlands stands out in the world for its democracy and openness—for giving everyone a voice, even those who are not yet citizens. That spirit is what made us fall in love with this country, and it's what we hope will guide your decision now. With respect and hope,