Dutch Dealing with Immigration

Filed in archive Europe on September 25, 2007

Experts predict The Netherlands will have to reform immigration laws to attract newcomers and overcome declining births even as the government and vocal public opinion from some sectors clamor for immigration limits.

Dutch immigration law favors reunification of families and employment-based immigration for highly skilled workers. But the country also attracts would-be refugees and has large numbers of foreign nationals in the country unlawfully. An amnesty to legalize status has been discussed, but for now these individuals are without status. There are concerns about assimilation - especially because many come from religions not common in The Netherlands and are not fluent in Dutch. Sounds a lot like the current immigration debate in America.

The Dutch immigration pendulum, Radio Netherlands Worldwide, September 24, 2007, for more information.