The headlines and online conversation often talked about how illiberal Japan’s immigration policy is, but I always thought some aspects were quite liberal, especially permanent residency, getting more so with seemingly more options to become a permanent resident.

Anyone who can go to school in Japan (with some money), where they can work 28 hours a week (not enforced), and can afterwards easily get a work visa with a job offer. Once they’ve been here 10 years, assuming nothing strange, it’s a clear road to permanent residency.

Some people may think this sounds hard, but based on my experience in Canada and what I hear about America, it’s a million times easier and straight forward, especially if you’re not western. a spousal visa from Pakistan to Canada last time I checked takes about five years!

And then when you’re a permanent resident, it has been basically the same as citizenship except for voting rights. Want those? Naturalize. Likewise, this is an easier process than usually thought.

So this is why I’ve considered Japan’s immigration policy more liberal than others have online.

And that is why I think any conversation in being able to change parameters for permanent residency is glaringly and unfortunately illiberal.

If failing to pay taxes and insurance could give grounds to cancel permanent residency, it likely won’t hurt me. I have a decent job, and the ability to get another job if that falls through. I could have an accident though, and that could all change in an instant though.

Online conversation goes to the rich American tax evaders, but my mind goes to people who are unable to pay something. Residence tax or health insurance based on last years income when you lost your job, and have zero income would make it hard to pay. Should these people be under the Japanese social safety net, the same as citizens, or should they be thrown out as a burden? To little lefty me, the answer is obvious that the social safety net should apply to them too.

So while jokes are made by one side, and outrage is had by the other, there’s disappointment had by me. Thinking about myself, just knowing these conversations can happen makes me aware that I probably don’t have enough backup plans, and need to think more seriously about naturalizing.

A new colleague of mine is from Syria, and got to university here around 2011 or so. 12 years later, he is a Japanese citizen. Maybe making PR less attractive will make me and others make the same jump he did.