French policy College Lycee St. Joseph 2013/2014 School year French immigration policies LE HUEROU Margaux

Introduction France has traditionally been a country with a fairly open border policy, but there have been recent efforts, as reflected in a July 2006 law, to restrict the immigration of unskilled workers and persons who would become a burden on the French State. Recent legislation has made French nationality requirements via marriage more difficult. Power has been given to the French Consulates in their decisions to grant or deny visas. There has however been a streamlining of procedures for entry of professionals and group- level transfers to France.

The ground law on immigration dates back to In order to sustain population growth rates, France declared itself officially open to immigrants and their families. In 1980 the “Bonnet” law started identifying illegal migration as a serious threat to public order. In 2000 new laws were passed on family reunification and on citizenship. Within such laws, provisions were introduced which aimed at strengthening the fight against discrimination. February 2003 has focused mostly on security issues and aimed at reinforcing measures against illegal migration, and criminal phenomena tied to illegal migration. Nicolas SARKOSY says: „Neither zero immigration or total opening borders“ I. French laws

II Aquiring French nationality Citizenship is not limited to the voting right but as soon as they become French they can vote and can stand as a candidate. Immigrants who do not have French nationality remain excluded from the right to vote in local elections. A lot of possibilities can be offered to you as an foreigner but not illegal citizen. - Short or long stay visas - Work visas - Family immigration - Dual nationality

Conclusion A number of laws have been voted to straignthen and restrict the immigration of unskilled worked or people which could become a burden to the french state. But a lot of possibilities can be offered to you as a foreigner but not illegal immigrant.