CONTROVERSIAL MIGRATION LAW APPROVED BY THE SENATE IN FRANCE

The French Senate approved the migration law on November 16, 2023, a legislative text that aims to restrict immigration to France and facilitate expulsions. The law, which was approved by the National Assembly on August 2, 2023, was promoted by the government of President Emmanuel Macron, which has pledged to tighten the country's immigration policy.

The immigration law is divided into four main parts:

1. Immigration restriction

The law establishes a series of measures to restrict immigration to France. Among these measures are:

Reducing the number of long-term visas granted to foreigners, especially those from non-European countries.
The introduction of a new points system for granting visas and residence permits, which grants more points to foreigners with professional training and experience.
The creation of a new body of border control agents, who will be in charge of monitoring border crossings and intercepting illegal immigrants.

2. Facilitation of expulsions

The law also establishes a series of measures to facilitate the expulsions of foreigners who are in an irregular situation in France. Among these measures are:

The reduction of the deadlines for the expulsion of foreigners, which will go from 30 to 15 days.
The possibility of expelling foreigners who have committed minor crimes, even if they have French children.
The creation of a new detention center for foreigners who are in the expulsion process.

3. Regularization of undocumented immigrants

The law also provides for the regularization of undocumented immigrants who work in "professions in tension", that is, in sectors that have difficulty finding workers. In order to be regularized, undocumented immigrants must demonstrate that they have been working in one of these professions for at least a year and that they have not committed any crime.

4. Integration of immigrants

The law also includes measures to promote the integration of immigrants into French society. Among these measures are:

The obligation for immigrants applying for French nationality to pass a French and French culture exam.
The creation of a new training program to help immigrants find work.
The expansion of social aid for immigrants.

Reactions to the law

The migration law has been received with mixed reactions in France. Supporters of the law argue it is necessary to control immigration and protect the safety of French people. Opponents of the law maintain that it is inhumane and violates human rights.

Human rights NGOs have criticized the law for its harshness and lack of humanity. They have denounced that the law will make it difficult to regularize undocumented immigrants and will increase the risk that they will be deported.

Left-wing parties have also criticized the law, arguing that it is a sign of the rise of populism in France. They have denounced that the law will increase discrimination against immigrants and make it difficult for them to integrate into French society.

The French government has defended the law, maintaining that it is necessary to control immigration and protect the safety of French people. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has declared that the law "is a fair law that protects French people and law-abiding immigrants."

Perspectives of the law

The migration law will come into force on January 1, 2024. The law is likely to have a significant impact on immigration to France. The law will make it more difficult for immigrants to arrive in France and increase the risk of undocumented immigrants being deported. The law could also make it more difficult for immigrants to integrate into French society.