The French Parliament passed a new immigration law Tuesday aimed at controlling immigration and improving integration. The law, which was approved by the commission mixte paritaire (CMP) introduces significant changes to the government’s initial proposal and grants France the means to implement an assertive migration strategy.

Titled “Bill to Control Immigration and Enhance Integration,” the legislation encompasses various provisions addressing key aspects of immigration management. The focus lies on regulating access to residency and combating irregular immigration. One of the significant provisions included in the bill is Article 1A, which amends Article L. 123-1 of the Code of Entry and Stay of Foreigners and the Right of Asylum. It mandates an annual parliamentary debate on the multi-year orientations of immigration and integration policies. The government is required to present a comprehensive report to the Parliament before June 1 each year, covering the past ten years’ data on visas granted, residence permits, family reunification, work-related immigration, refugee and subsidiary protection status and unaccompanied minors. The report also assesses the measures taken to combat irregular immigration and promote integration. Conditions are tightened for family reunification visas. Foreign nationals must prove five years of stable residence, rather than the current two years, to receive social welfare benefits. Healthcare eligibility also requires longer residence.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his support for the new law the day after the adoption of the immigration law, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that ensures effective immigration control while fostering integration. In the program C à vous on France 5, he highlighted the importance of coherent policies that align with national interests and the significance of collaboration with local authorities and international partners.

However, the law has sparked mixed reactions. Stéphane Troussel, president at the Departmental Council of Seine-Saint-Denis, accused the legislation of turning its back on French values and “resisting this moral and political shipwreck.” French Minister of Culture Rima Abdul Malak defended France’s tradition of welcome, noting over one-third of French people have immigrant origins. “Far from the stigmatizations of parts of the right and far-right, these humanist values are those of our Republic,” Malak said. This update comes after the National Assembly rejected an earlier version of the bill last week.