Immigration reform package: end birthright citizenship, 10-year benefit stand-down
What it actually does
NZ First would grant automatic citizenship at birth only to children of citizens, raise the citizenship qualifying period to 10 years and permanent residence to 5, and make visa holders ineligible for most benefits for their first 10 years. It would widen deportation liability, offer overstayers a 24-month window to self-deport, remove automatic work rights for international students, and hold a referendum on a legislated cap of 20,000 resident visas a year.
Source: nzfirst.nz · 2026-09
The Trump take
“Ending birthright citizenship? That's my policy! Winston, you're a copycat, but a good copycat. Self-deportation, beautiful.”parody
Why it scored this way
Immigration
Ends birthright citizenship, caps residence, expands deportation
+2
Loves it
Welfare
Long benefit stand-down for migrants
+1
Likes it
On the same topics
Tax-free KiwiSaver earnings, no government contributions
Announced at ACT's 4 October campaign launch, the policy would remove tax on KiwiSaver investment earnings, currently taxed at up to 28%, and end government contributions to KiwiSaver accounts. ACT claims the change could roughly double savings for some workers by retirement.
Extend deportation liability for serious offenders from 10 to 20 years
The Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Amendment Bill would extend the period during which a resident who commits serious crimes can be made liable for deportation from 10 years of residence to 20 years. The Government introduced it in March 2026.
Six-point immigration plan
ACT proposes deporting resident visa holders convicted of offences carrying 10-year-plus sentences regardless of time in New Zealand, a $6 daily charge on temporary work visa holders, a five-year stand-down from welfare for new residents, and a dedicated Immigration NZ unit targeting an estimated 20,000 overstayers. It also proposes higher English requirements for some visas and an annual review of the skilled jobs list.