The French government plans to tighten immigration laws. In the future, migrants should only receive medical attention in emergencies (see video above). This is now drawing criticism from various aid organizations.
On Thursday evening, the Senate’s right-wing majority quashed a planned piece of legislation that would make it easier for working migrants to obtain residence permits in France. This mainly concerned sectors where there is a shortage of personnel and an attempt by the government to promote integration.
Moreover, the senators have completely refined the design. Children of foreign parents born and raised in France will no longer automatically receive French citizenship at the age of 18, as is currently the case. The Senate also wants to restrict medical care for migrants: in the future they may only receive help in emergencies.
Family reunification limited
The senators also voted to limit family reunification and criminalize illegal residence. The entire bill will be voted on on Tuesday and then discussed in the National Assembly. An MP has already indicated that he wants to reverse the changes.
Criticism from the hospital association
Criticism came from aid organizations and the hospital association, among others, which warned of “major risks to public health”. Migrants often live in precarious conditions and are therefore at greater risk of infectious diseases than the rest of the population. “Early treatment is always better than late treatment.”
French President Emmanuel Macron originally wanted to introduce a “balanced” law that would promote the integration of migrants. At the same time, the deportation of rejected asylum seekers must be made easier. To actually pass a corresponding law, the government depends on the agreement of the right-wing opposition. Above all, the work permit was a thorn in the side.
Second attempt at law
This is the government’s second attempt to adopt the text. In March, Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne admitted that there was no sign of a majority. It is therefore conceivable that she will again use constitutional section 49.3, which allows the law to be adopted without a final vote by the MPs.
Source: Krone
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