Aid organizations criticize planned tightening of immigration law in France
Several aid organizations have criticized the planned tightening of the immigration law in France. The latest changes by the Senate give "cause for the greatest concern with regard to foreign people", declared an association of 870 social organizations on Thursday.
On Thursday night, the majority right-wing Senate overturned a planned article in the law that would have made it easier for working migrants to obtain a residence permit in future. This primarily concerned sectors in which there is a shortage of staff. The government had wanted to promote integration in this way.
The senators had tightened up the bill in other areas. For example, children of foreign parents who were born and raised in France will no longer automatically receive French citizenship at the age of 18, as was previously the case. The senators also want to restrict medical care for migrants. In future, they will only receive medical assistance in emergencies.
The hospital association warned of "major risks to public health". Migrants often live in precarious conditions and are therefore more likely to contract infectious diseases. "Early treatment is always better than delayed treatment," the association emphasized.
The senators also voted in favor of restricting family reunification and re-declaring illegal residence as an offence.
- Despite the concerns raised by several aid organizations, the Senate in France decided to tighten the immigration law further, causing apprehension among organizations working with foreign individuals.
- The planned tightening of the immigration law includes revisions that may affect the care of immigrants, such as limiting medical aid for migrants to emergency situations only.
- The occasion of amending France's immigration law has led to discussions and criticisms from aid organizations, which highlighted the potential impact on integration efforts, especially in sectors facing labor shortages and the concerns over the tightening of family reunification and re-declaring illegal residence as an offense.
Source: www.ntv.de
