This is good to hear that the negativity is dropping, but it is still too high.
Whilst I agree that immigrants should learn the language, "to leave behind their original cultures" is ridiculous. A culture is based on a system of values, beliefs, social ceremonies, foodstyles, etc., it cannot beleft behind. The Netherlands can only get enriched by foreign cultures, just think what Dutch food would be without the enrichment of Indonesian, Surinamese, Turkish, Morrocan food culture? It would be plain and miserable. And wasn't the potato brought from a distant land?
Different cultures are wonderful things, that is why travel to distant places is so popular. The Dutch people should not just "tolerate" but welcome diversity, everyone will be better off.

By AC | November 26, 2009 4:43 PM

Such xenophobia is uncalled for. Learning the Dutch language should be a must but leaving behind a culture just makes Netherlands culturally poorer.
The lessons of migration history from America to Australia to Singapore shows how rich a country can become from welcoming, not rejecting many cultures.

By Kalajutu | November 26, 2009 5:22 PM

I agree that learning Nederlands is a must for new immigrants. I was born in the province of Quebec, Canada. I am here in the Netherlands for not so long.I saw in Canada, and found it disrespectful, that many immigrants did not speak a word of french, after being in Quebec province for decades.I considere myself as a refugee,America is not a funny place to be... too much poverty, and where everyone thinks about they, themselves, and them.I embrace my new country and I am very thankful. Canada liberated Friesland years ago, they now welcome someone, who needed a refuge. I think everyone who comes to the Netherlands, should leave the bad part of their life, where it should be. In the country they flee from...No one comes here to not live a better Life, otherwise they would have stayed where they were born.

By Helene | November 27, 2009 8:26 AM

Here, here Kalajutu, I agree with you!

By sandra | November 27, 2009 8:39 AM

And I think that learning Dutch should not be a MUST. If someone migrates and dont want to learn - its his problem. Not the citizens of the country he arrived. About leaving his culture behind - I have never heard of such idiotic thing.

By Peter | November 27, 2009 9:26 AM

Welcome to The Netherlands! Now.. be just like us or go back to your country! /sarcasm

By Laura | November 27, 2009 9:31 AM

It is the immigrants that do not wish to assimilate into Dutch society that are the problem. If one doesn't wish to melt into a society then move back to where you came. This country is NOT going to change for a few lawbreakers. Love it or leave it.

By Paul Martin | November 28, 2009 4:19 PM

Lawbreakers can be Dutch as well. Since when is crime only something foreigners do?

By CW | November 30, 2009 8:10 AM

Is year 2000 correct? or it should be 2008 or ?

[Editor's note, 2000 is correct}

By Eurogates | November 30, 2009 8:42 AM

Paul Martin; Since when did lawbreaking have anything to do with immigration or integration?
Immigrants (and all others) need to abide by the laws of the land, but they need not be uniformly Dutch. They should learn the language for practical purposes, to communicate, and not because they are forced to.
But do they really need to leave carrots and straw for Sinterklaas' horse, and relish drop (Licorice) like the Dutch? I think not. They could continue to celebrate Chinese New year, Ramadan, Yom Kippur, or whatever their culture embraces, and a free society should accept that. If not, is it really free?

By AC | November 30, 2009 10:15 AM