Divisions Emerge as France Passes Stricter Immigration Law
The French Parliament has approved a law restricting Nigerian students and others from bringing their families to the country, Excel Magazine International has gathered.
The legislation, supported by President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Renaissance party and Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally, faced opposition from left-wing factions during a previous vote.
The revised immigration policy toughens rules for migrants, making it harder to bring family members to France and delaying access to welfare benefits.
Notably, the law has sparked controversy for discriminating between citizens and migrants in benefit eligibility.
Despite divisions within the governing alliance, right-wing parties applauded the stricter measures, while left-wingers accused Macron of enabling the far-right.
The law prompted resignations, including Health Minister Aurélien Rousseau, and defiance from French regions refusing to implement certain provisions.
The French vote coincided with an EU agreement to reform the asylum system across the bloc.
The pact, pending formal approval, involves creating border detention centers and expediting the deportation of rejected asylum seekers.
Despite parliamentary support, the French prime minister acknowledged potential constitutional concerns and indicated a referral to the Constitutional Council for evaluation.
