Verlenging naturalisatietermijnen

Reactie

Vraag1

My family and I moved to the Netherlands in November 2020 when my husband, a highly skilled migrant, got a job in the tech sector. Even though I don't work, I've been doing everything I can to make this country our home. I'm studying Dutch at B1 level because I genuinely love this country and want to be part of it. I'm also looking for volunteer opportunities at elderly care homes to give back to the community that welcomed us.

Learning Dutch has been challenging but rewarding. I do it not just for myself, but also to help my son, who was born here in 2021. He's in school now and speaks Dutch fluently. As his mother, I want to support his education and growth, and speaking the language is a big part of that.

When we moved here, we were told that after five years we could apply for citizenship. That timeline meant everything to us. It gave us hope that we could truly belong here and participate fully in society. Now, hearing this might be extended to ten years feels devastating. We've already spent nearly five years building our life here based on what we were told.

I understand the government wants people who naturalise to have a real connection to the Netherlands. But I think I'm proving that connection. I'm learning the language without being required to. I'm seeking ways to volunteer and help elderly people. I'm raising my son to be a proud member of Dutch society. What more can I do to show I belong?

Ten years is such a long time. By then, my son will be a teenager. I'll have spent a decade living here, learning the language, volunteering, being part of the community, yet still not having full rights. The current five years already seems like enough time to prove commitment.

If this rule goes through, please don't apply it to families already here. We made huge decisions based on the five-year promise. My husband came as a highly skilled professional, contributing and paying taxes. We left our home country and invested everything in becoming Dutch. Changing the rules now feels like being told we don't belong.

I love the Netherlands. I'm learning the language because I want to. I'm looking for ways to help. My son is growing up Dutch. Please don't make us wait another five years to officially be part of the country we already call home.