Meerderheid Zwitsers tegen soepeler asielwetgeving (en)

The Swiss people have voted against making it easier for immigrants to become Swiss citizens in a referendum held yesterday (26 September).

Well over half (57 percent) of citizens voted against proposals to facilitate the naturalisation process for people educated in Switzerland. These so-called "second-generation" immigrants have attended school in Switzerland for at least five years.

A smaller majority (52 percent) rejected a plan to grant automatic citizenship to the "third generation" - those with Swiss grandparents.

All political parties campaigned for a "yes" vote in this referendum, except the right-wing populists, who said that Swiss identity would be threatened.

The French speaking regions in the West tended to vote yes, with the German speakers in the East and Italian speakers voting against the proposed measures.

An association representing the "second generation" immigrants, said it was "disgusted" by the result.

"The Swiss people are telling us 'you can pay your taxes and work, but you aren't good enough to become Swiss", said Valérie Lucchesi, a spokesperson for the association, according to Le Nouvel Observateur.

The Swiss people's party - who have come in for criticism for their campaign which featured pictures of Osama bin Laden in a Swiss passport - welcomed the result.

"We don't want Switzerland to be a doorway for all and sundry", said Maria Angela Guyot, a spokeswomen, according to the Guardian.

This is the third time in 21 years that the Swiss have voted against such a project.

About 20 percent of people in Switzerland are foreigners - partly because it is so hard to attain Swiss citizenship.