Nigerian students and immigrants are facing stricter immigration policies in France and the United Kingdom. Recently, the French parliament passed a new law preventing them from bringing their families into the country, echoing similar measures adopted by the UK government.
Background and Legislative Process
The legislative journey of this new French law has been contentious. Initially rejected last week, the bill was reintroduced with tougher provisions after revisions by the government.
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Highlights of the Immigration Policy
- The updated policy makes it more challenging for migrants to reunite with their families in France and delays their access to welfare benefits.
- Under the law, minors cannot be held in detention centers, yet some French regions have expressed reluctance to fully comply.
- A divisive provision discriminates between citizens and migrants, even those legally residing in France, affecting their eligibility for social benefits.
- Right-wing parties have supported these tougher measures, viewing them as necessary steps in immigration reform.
- Eric Ciotti from the Republican party praised the law as “firm and courageous.”
Opposition to the Bill
However, critics, particularly from the left, accuse President Macron of aligning with far-right ideologies. Socialist leader Olivier Faure criticized the law, predicting historical repercussions for its supporters.
Moreover, several French departments, including Paris, have declared their intent to resist implementing certain provisions, particularly those related to benefits for non-citizens.
EU Agreement on Asylum System
Meanwhile, across the EU, member states have reached a new asylum system agreement, focusing on creating border detention centers and expediting deportations of rejected asylum seekers.
Divisions Within the Governing Alliance
The passage of the French legislation also exposed fractures within the ruling coalition. Notably, a significant number of Macron’s MPs voted against the law, and Health Minister Aurélien Rousseau resigned in protest.
Yaël Braun-Pivet, president of the lower house of parliament, expressed discomfort with some aspects of the bill, reflecting internal dissent.
Similar Measures in Other Countries
Similar immigration policies have been enacted elsewhere. In the UK, for instance, new regulations prevent Nigerian students and other international students from bringing their families unless they are pursuing PhD studies, which are exempt.
- The UK government justified these measures as necessary to control high levels of net migration, which have recently exceeded one million individuals.
- Conservative MPs pressed Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to address these concerns promptly.
In Canada, changes effective January 2024 require international students to demonstrate increased proof of funds, raising the requirement to $20,000. This adjustment aims to better reflect current living costs and financial needs.
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