New immigration laws in France

Tightening of France's Migration Policy

France is one of the most attractive countries for immigrants from all over the world. However, the country's migration policy has recently undergone significant changes. New laws aimed at tightening the rules for foreigners to stay in the country could seriously affect the lives of more than 60,000 people who risk losing their right to reside in France.

Key changes in legislation:

1. Tightening of the conditions for obtaining a residence permit — now applicants must live in the country for at least 24 months (previously it was 18 months), and the age of the spouse must be at least 21 years. In addition, the applicant must prove his or her financial solvency and proficiency in French at a sufficient level. These changes will affect many foreigners who planned to move to France under the family reunification program. The complication of the procedure for obtaining a residence permit may lead to many families being forced to live separately or seek alternative ways to legalize their status.
2. Restrictions on social benefits — now, unemployed migrants will have to wait five years to be eligible for benefits such as rent compensation and family allowances. Working migrants will only be able to claim these benefits for 30 months. These restrictions will have a significant impact on the lives of foreigners, especially those who are unemployed or in a difficult financial situation. Without access to social benefits, many families may find themselves in dire straits and will be forced to look for other ways to survive.
3. Introduction of quotas for the legalization of migrants — these quotas will be determined annually by parliament and will be in effect until the end of 2026. This initiative is experimental and aims to clarify the state's migration policy. However, the introduction of quotas may lead to many foreigners, even if they have legal grounds for legalization, not being able to obtain a residence permit due to the limited number of places.This may lead to an increase in the number of illegal migrants and complicate their integration into French society.
4. Deprivation of citizenship and residence permits for crimes — the new changes make it possible to deprive those convicted of serious criminal offenses of citizenship. Residence permits can also be revoked in cases of violation of the principles of the Republic, including due to acute religious contradictions. This measure is aimed at combating crime and extremism among immigrants. However, critics point out that the deprivation of citizenship or residence permits can be applied disproportionately and discriminatorily against certain groups of foreigners.
5. Changes in obtaining citizenship by right of soil — citizenship by right of soil is important for children of migrants born in France. Children must now live in the country for at least five years and apply for citizenship between the ages of 16 and 18. This step could complicate the process of integrating the second generation of immigrants into French society. Children born and raised in France may face obstacles in obtaining citizenship, despite their cultural and linguistic affiliation with the country.

Consequences for foreigners in France

• The new immigration laws could have serious consequences for more than 60,000 foreigners living in France. Many of them risk losing their right to stay in the country due to stricter conditions for obtaining a residence permit and restrictions on social benefits.
• The complication of the legalization process could lead to an increase in the number of illegal migrants who will be forced to live in the shadows, without access to official work, health care and education. This could exacerbate social problems and increase tensions in society.
• The new rules could negatively affect the country's economy, since many foreigners make a significant contribution to the development of various industries, such as construction, agriculture, and services. The loss of labor could lead to a decrease in productivity and competitiveness of French enterprises.

Options for solving the problem

• Despite the tightening of immigration laws, foreigners in France still have opportunities to legalize their status and stay in the country. For example, through employment programs or obtaining student visas.
• Local authorities also have the right to legalize the status of workers under certain conditions, such as stable employment, language skills, and no violations of the law.
• There are public organizations that provide free advice and support to immigrants in difficult situations. Associations such as Gisti and La Cimade specialize in protecting the rights of foreigners and can help with issues of obtaining a residence permit, citizenship, and access to social benefits.

Thus, the new immigration laws in France pose a serious challenge to more than 60,000 foreigners who risk losing their right to reside in the country. Tightening the conditions for obtaining a residence permit, restrictions on social benefits and the introduction of quotas for legalization may lead to an increase in the number of illegal migrants and exacerbate social problems. However, despite all the difficulties, foreigners in France still have opportunities to legalize their status through employment, training or with the help of local authorities. Public organizations that provide free consultations and protection of rights also play an important role in supporting immigrants. France needs to find a balance between controlling migration flows and ensuring the rights and opportunities for foreigners who make a significant contribution to the development of the country. Only through dialogue and cooperation between the state, society and immigrant communities can a fair and humane solution to this complex problem be found.