Criminalization of illegality goes too far for CDA: party votes against strict asylum laws

"I am shocked that this amendment was passed by the House of Representatives yesterday. As a result, this law has become impassable for us," Bontenbal said in an explanation.

Criminalization of illegal immigrants

The strict asylum laws are two laws from the government program of the Schoof cabinet. Yesterday, an amendment proposal from the PVV was adopted: illegal residence in the Netherlands will be made punishable. Helping illegals can also be punishable, for example people who work for the Salvation Army.

Bontenbal finds this unacceptable. He also finds it unacceptable to express support for the Asylum Emergency Measures Act. "I was shocked that the House voted for this law on illegality. We wanted to get these asylum laws across the line. But they were so amateurish. I was shocked."

What are the strict asylum laws?

The strict asylum laws are two laws from the government program of the Schoof cabinet. Former PVV minister Faber of Asylum and Migration submitted the laws, but because the PVV has left the cabinet, ministers Van Weel and Keijzer are taking over the handling.

The 'emergency asylum measures act' makes it more difficult to allow families to come to the Netherlands. This is also called subsequent travel. The intention is also to abolish the permanent residence permit. The plan is to instead only issue temporary residence permits to asylum seekers who are allowed to stay, after three years it will be assessed whether they can be extended.

The second law introduces the so-called 'two-status system'. In the 'two-status system', a distinction is made between people who flee because they are in danger in their country because of ethnicity, sexual orientation or religion, and people who flee from war and (natural) violence. Asylum seekers from the latter group can return when peace has returned and therefore receive fewer rights. This distinction does not currently exist. The CDA is also against this law.