The news is full of exciting and varied subjects, but it is undeniable that immigration occupies an important place in the public debate. For several decades, France has seen numerous laws aimed at restricting immigration and facilitating expulsions.
Gérald Darmanin’s immigration bill, which is currently being examined in the Senate, is part of this line. Its objective is to toughen the conditions of entry and stay of foreigners in France, while paving the way for the regularization of undocumented immigrants working in “professions in tension”.
However, it is interesting to question the recurrence of immigration laws in France, which seem to follow one another endlessly. Since the 1980s, this subject has become a major issue in political and media debate, particularly with the rise of the National Front and its speeches accusing foreigners of being responsible for unemployment.
This vision of immigration as an economic and social problem has led successive governments to adopt measures aimed at reducing migratory flows. Most of these laws focused on restricting family immigration, which accounted for a large portion of arrivals to France.
Over the years, the conditions for family reunification have been tightened, with longer waiting times and economic criteria imposed. Spouses of French people must now wait a year before obtaining a resident card, and the income required to bring their family over has been increased.
At the same time, an idea of “à la carte” or “selected” immigration has developed, particularly in the context of the workforce. Specific residence permits have been created for qualified workers or in sectors in tension.
Alongside these measures aimed at legal immigration, governments have also implemented policies to combat illegal immigration. Border control measures and expulsion policies have been strengthened to discourage illegal immigration.
However, despite all these laws and efforts to restrict immigration, the debate remains lively and migratory flows persist. It is therefore essential to question the effectiveness of these measures and to seek more global and humane solutions to manage migratory movements.
In conclusion, immigration is a complex and sensitive subject, which has given rise to numerous laws over the decades in France. If these measures were mainly aimed at restricting immigration and facilitating expulsions, it is important to think about more balanced solutions that respect human rights to face the challenges posed by migration.