The French Parliament has passed an immigration law aimed at controlling migration and improving integration. The law introduces significant changes to the government’s initial proposal and provides France with measures to implement a decided migration strategy.
The legislation, known as the Bill to Control Immigration and Enhance Integration, offers a myriad of provisions to manage key aspects of immigration. The focus leans on regulating access to residency and combating irregular immigration. An important provision within the bill is Article 1A, which amends Article L. 123-1 of the Code of Entry and Stay of Foreigners and the Right of Asylum. This mandates an annual Parliamentary debate regarding the multi-year orientations of immigration and integration policies.
Moreover, according to the new law, the government is required to present a comprehensive report to Parliament before June 1 each year. This covers data from the past decade relating to visas granted, residence permits, family reunification, work-related immigration, refugee and subsidiary protection status, and unaccompanied minors. Additionally, the new law tightens conditions for family reunification visas and requires foreign nationals to prove five years of stable residence, increased from the current two years, to receive social welfare benefits.
Supporting the new law, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for a balanced approach to effectively control immigration and foster integration. In the program ‘C à vous’ on France 5, he discussed the importance of coherent policies aligning with national interests and significant collaboration with local authorities and international partners.
However, the law received mixed reactions. Stéphane Troussel, President at the Departmental Council of Seine-Saint-Denis, criticized the legislation, accusing it of turning its back on French values. Additionally, French Minister of Culture Rima Abdul Malak defended France’s tradition of welcoming immigrants, noting that over a third of French people have immigrant origins.
This update comes after the National Assembly rejected an earlier version of the bill last week.