On 18 October 2011 Susanne Mooij joined a panel discussion in New York about dual nationality. Organised by Worldconnectors the discussion was attended by some hundred Dutch nationals and former Dutch nationals. Several Dutch MP’s had come over from the Netherlands as well. The discussion focused on Minister Donner’s proposal to make drastic changes to the Dutch Nationality Act 2003, abolishing the option of multiple citizenship. Discussion leader was Boris Dittrich, who works for Human Rights Watch. Other panelists included the deputy consul general in New York.

Radio Netherlands Worldwide reported:

'Dutch nationals oversea may not be stripped of their citizenship. With a petition Dutch politicians in New York want to prevent a tightening of the law on dual nationality. The initiators are hoping for support of other Dutch nationals abroad. The petition was initiated by Worldconnectors, and local chapters in the US of PvdA, D66 and government party VVD. During a debate at the Netherlands Club in New York about dual nationality these local parties decided to join forces. With their on-line petition they hope to crush Minister Donner’s proposal.’

Bill

Minister Donner intends tightening the requirements for acquiring and retaining Dutch citizenship. Groups that previously enjoyed exemptions, like former Dutch nationals and Dutch nationals with foreign partners may hold just one passport, if Mr Donner’s proposal is adopted. The Dutch Lower House will take the bill under consideration shortly. The initiators of the petition hope to convince the parliamentary groups to vote against the bill.

‘We heard through the grapevine that in The Hague they were not aware of the impact of this bill on Dutch nationals abroad, said initiator Eelco Keij of Worldconnectors.

‘There are more than 700,000 Dutch nationals living abroad, and although no exact number is known the bulk of them will be affected by this amendment.’ The main reason for not wanting to give up Dutch nationality is emotional’, Mr Keij explained. ‘It feels like giving up part of your identity. You don’t know until you live abroad.’

Optimistic

Mr Keij is hopeful that the American chapter of VVD in particular will be able to persuade the MP’s in The Hague that the amendment should not be adopted. For now he is optimistic. ‘Within just three days and without a lot of publicity the petition has been signed already by 454 Dutch nationals all over the world. We hope that thousands will follow.’