We are all Amsterdammers
Amsterdam BIJ1 promotes radical equality. This certainly applies to people who have to flee their homeland because of hunger and poverty, war or climate disasters. Moreover, the fact that people have to leave their homeland is often related to colonial exploitation by Western countries. As the capital of a capitalist country, Amsterdam must offer a safe home to the people who suffer most from this system.
The municipality is responsible for housing refugees and giving them the opportunity to integrate into Dutch society in a fair and dignified way. Amsterdam BIJ1 will make sure that the municipality fulfils these responsibilities. Amsterdam is also home to a large group of undocumented people. These people contribute to our society, but are not able to claim their fundamental rights. Amsterdam BIJ1 shows solidarity with the undocumented and calls on the municipality to proactively stand up for their rights.
Refugees, migrants and undocumented people have a right to the city. That is why Amsterdam BIJ1 proposes the following points:
- Amsterdam will become a Sanctuary City for refugees and undocumented people:
- The Amsterdam municipality opposes all forms of deportation and organised search by the Aliens Police and the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
- The Amsterdam police do not cooperate with the national police policy that is responsible for the arrest and detention of undocumented people without any prospect of a case or solution. BIJ1 calls upon the mayor to put an end to this immediately.
- Amsterdam continues to put pressure on the national government to make the national asylum and immigration policy more humane.
- A general pardon will be issued for all undocumented migrants who have lived in the city for a long time and who are an important part of our society.
- The municipality will provide special accommodation for undocumented trans people and specific accommodation and attention for undocumented migrants with multiple problems.
- The municipality will continue to stand up for elderly Surinamese people who have been living in the city undocumented for decades. The municipality will also continue to put pressure on the government to legalise this group.
- There will be dignified accommodation for status holders and undocumented homeless people.
- A city passport will be introduced for all Amsterdam residents (including those who are undocumented). This will allow everyone to identify themselves and make claims on care, education, work, sport and a minimum social safety net.
- The municipality ensures the safety of unaccompanied minor asylum seekers and the undocumented, including vulnerable women (with children).
- The municipality takes its responsibility for stateless people.
- Language development is a priority in finding a place in Amsterdam. The municipality develops programmes such as language courses for this purpose.
- The municipality of Amsterdam makes it possible for undocumented migrants to continue studying after the age of eighteen (for example at the HvA or VU).