The French Senate is currently in discussions regarding a legislative proposal aimed at tightening immigration laws, a move that could pose challenges for the integration of immigrants into French society, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW).
The proposed bill, reported by Le Monde, introduces a one-year residence permit for irregular migrants in specific high-demand industries, streamlining certain administrative aspects of immigration.
Gerald Darmanin, the French Interior Minister, known for his conservative stance on immigration, emphasized the legislation’s firm approach, particularly towards foreigners with criminal records, proposing their expulsion.
However, as indicated in a France 24 article, the bill also acknowledges individuals who entered France without authorization, aiming to ‘regularize’ their status.
The ongoing Senate debate, initially postponed several times due to lack of support, is expected to continue for several more weeks. The upper house of parliament, opposing legal status for irregular workers, raises concerns that the expulsion of criminals may attract more migrants to France.
In response to the bill, human rights activists and left-wing lawmakers staged protests outside the Senate. Aboubakar Dembele, an activist representing a group of undocumented workers, highlighted the significant contribution of migrants to the French economy, even without legal status.
The pandemic further underscored this, as many citizens worked remotely while undocumented workers faced pandemic risks to continue working.
However, the impact of the proposed immigration bill extends beyond the labor sector. The French Senate recently voted in favor (200 votes to 136 against) of a proposal to limit state healthcare for irregular migrants, aiming to abolish the State Medical Aid (AME) that grants access to healthcare for this demographic.
Critics, including Yannick Jadot from the Green Party, argue that removing the AME is irresponsible and endangers the health of all residents in France.
The comprehensive immigration bill, consisting of approximately 27 provisions, addresses various aspects, including the regulation of undocumented workers in labor-shortage sectors, allowing early work rights for asylum seekers from high-risk countries, and facilitating the deportation of foreigners convicted of crimes.
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