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Immigration: “There will be a need for a new law” – French government

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President of France - President Emmanuel Macron

The French government is set to take up a new immigration law by 2025, disclosing the need for the law as the new right-wing government seeks to crack down on immigration into the country.

Punch reported that the government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon said the French authorities want to take up a new immigration law by 2025, on October 14, 2024.

“There will be a need for a new law”, Spokeswoman Bregeon said to broadcaster BFMTV.

The rightward turn in French politics after this summer’s legislative elections that left the parliament hung is exemplified by the government’s proposal to strengthen border controls and immigration laws.

Michel Barnier’s administration anticipates that the law will be brought before parliament in early 2025.

In September, a Paris student was allegedly raped and killed in a case.

And since a Moroccan was identified as the alleged attacker, this has further fueled a migration debate in France.

For undocumented migrants who are judged to be dangerous, the government intends to prolong their detention period.

As stated, this is to more effectively implement expulsion orders.

One of the options being considered is raising the maximum detention duration from 90 to 210 days.

This maximum jail period is currently limited to terrorist offenses.

Bregeon stated that there should be “no taboos when it comes to protecting the French”.

“We don’t rule out the possibility of considering other provisions”, she added.

France previously passed an immigration bill last December.

The bill was made more rigid in order to win over the far-right and right-wing MPs.

However, the majority of the new modifications were rejected by the nation’s highest constitutional authority before being signed into law by President Emmanuel Macron.

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The procedures struck down by the Constitutional Council “will serve as a basis for the new immigration bill”, a government source told AFP.

“Some of them could be modified and there will be additions”, the source added.

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, the government’s most conservative member, has promised to take tough measures against immigration.

Within days of taking office, he has sparked controversy by claiming that “the rule of law is neither intangible nor sacred”.

The hard-hitting legislation last year was credited to Minister Retailleau, the former leader of the Senate Republican party.

Among other things, he wants to bring back the crime of unauthorized residence as reported.

Barnier’s predecessor, Mr. Gabriel Attal, who is currently Macron’s Renaissance party’s leader in parliament, stated on Monday that a new immigration law did not appear to be a “total priority”.

“Adopting a law for the sake of a law makes no sense,” he said to broadcaster France inter.

He said “the priority is to act so that the state can truly control who enters and leaves” France.

 

Migration in France

Numerous migratory waves have influenced France, a nation with a long history of immigration.

Migration still has a big impact on French society today, affecting the country’s economy, culture, and demographics.

Current Patterns of Migration

The National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) in France reports that as of 2022:

1. Foreign-born population: Approximately 8.5 million people, or 12.8% of France’s total population, are foreign-born.

2. Asylum seekers: In 2021, France received more than 120,000 asylum claims, most of which were from sub-Saharan Africa, Afghanistan, and Syria.

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3. Integration of migrants: France has put laws in place to encourage integration, such as job placement, cultural orientation, and language instruction.

 

Challenges and Controversies

1. Immigration and terrorism: Discussions about border control and migrant vetting have been stoked by worries about immigration and national security.

2. Integration and social cohesion: Migrants and native-born French people are seen to have different cultural and economic backgrounds, which causes tensions.

3. Economic impact: The benefits of migration to the economy are debatable; some contend it spurs prosperity, while others assert it puts a burden on social services.

 

Initiatives and Policies of the Government

1. The 2018 Migration and Asylum Law: More deportations, quicker asylum processes, and tighter border controls.

2. Integration Contracts (2019): Required agreements that specify duties and expectations for migrants.

3. Language instruction: To encourage integration, free language classes are offered to immigrants.

 

The subject of migration in France is intricate and multidimensional, influenced by economy, history, and cultural identity.

To achieve successful integration and social cohesion, France must strike a balance between security concerns, economic needs, and humanitarian commitments as it navigates the rewards and problems of migration.


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