.
The French immigration law, which has been presented as “balanced” and has recently started its parliamentary journey, has become stricter in its content. During the first week of debate in the Senate, which concluded on Friday. Several measures were approved to facilitate the expulsion of foreigners who have committed crimes. Do not respect the values of the Republic, or pose a serious threat to the country. Furthermore, the only article that could have appeased the left and immigration associations, concerning the regularization of undocumented individuals working in occupations with a shortage of labor, has been watered down.
.
Be kind to the good and tough on the bad
The debate began on Monday, with Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin stating that the aim of the project was to “be kind to the good and tough on the bad.” The original text included measures to please both the left and the right. However, as the days went by, the content was continuously adjusted, leaning more towards the latter. Who believed that the text was too lenient. For example, on Monday, a vote was held in favor of removing the state medical assistance provision that benefited undocumented individuals. Instead, there will be emergency medical aid.
Within the proposed law, there are provisions to streamline the deportation process by shortening the judicial review period from 30 to 15 days. This change intends to expedite the removal of foreigners who have committed crimes or pose a serious threat to public order. Additionally, the administrative detention period for individuals awaiting deportation has been extended from 45 to 90 days. These measures aim to strengthen the government’s ability to control immigration and maintain security within the country.
French immigration law: Adherence to French values
Another significant aspect of the law is the reinforcement of the principle of assimilation and adherence to French values. Foreigners who demonstrate a lack of respect for the values of the Republic. Such as gender equality or secularism, may face deportation. This provision extends to spouses of French citizens who fail to integrate into society adequately.
However, the revised law has faced criticism from left-wing parties and immigration organizations. They argue that the regularization process for undocumented workers has been watered down. As it no longer applies to those in professions with a labor shortage. This change has sparked concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals and the creation of a more extensive underground economy.
Despite the attempts to strike a balance between appeasing different sides. The new French immigration law continues to be a contentious subject. Supporters argue that stricter measures are necessary to protect national security and maintain social cohesion. Critics, on the other hand, believe that the focus should be on integration and providing support to migrants rather than implementing tougher enforcement policies.
As the law proceeds through the parliamentary process, further amendments and debates are expected. The government will continue its efforts to find a compromise that addresses security concerns while respecting fundamental human rights. The outcome of this legislative process will shape the immigration policies and practices in France for years to come.