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Latest update: 30/12/2011
- French elections 2012 - immigration - Nicolas Sarkozy - UMP
France makes it harder to become French
France will be making it harder for foreigners to seek French citizenship as of January. Critics say the new requirements, which include tough language tests and allegiance to “French values”, are an electoral ploy that panders to the far right.
By FRANCE 24 (text)
Foreigners seeking French nationality face tougher requirements as of January 1, when new rules drawn up by Interior Minister Claude Guéant come into force.
Candidates will be tested on French culture and history, and will have to prove their French language skills are equivalent to those of a 15-year-old mother tongue speaker. They will also be required to sign a new charter establishing their rights and responsibilities.
“Becoming French is not a mere administrative step. It is a decision that requires a lot of thought”, reads the charter, drafted by France’s High Council for Integration (HCI). In a more obscure passage, the charter suggests that by taking on French citizenship, “applicants will no longer be able to claim allegiance to another country while on French soil”, although dual nationality will still be allowed.
Guéant, a member of President Nicolas Sarkozy’s ruling UMP party, described the process as “a solemn occasion between the host nation and the applicant”, adding that migrants should be integrated through language and “an adherence to the principals, values and symbols of our democracy”. He stressed the importance of the secular state and equality between women and men: rhetoric perceived largely as a snipe at Muslim applicants, who make up the majority of the 100,000 new French citizens admitted each year.
France’s interior minister has made it clear that immigrants who refuse to “assimilate” into French society should be denied French citizenship.
Earlier this year, Guéant intervened personally to ensure an Algerian-born man living in France was denied French nationality because of his “degrading attitude” to his French wife.
That followed an earlier push by France’s former Immigration Minister Eric Besson to revise existing laws in order to strip polygamists of their acquired citizenship.
Pandering to the far right?
Guéant has come under criticism numerous times over the past year for allegedly pandering to the whims of far-right voters in his efforts to secure a second term for Sarkozy in 2012. The UMP has edged progressively further right over the course of Sarkozy’s term, even as the far-right National Front party continued to bite into its pool of voters.
Marine Le Pen, the popular leader of the anti-immigration National Front, has been campaigning in favour of a ban on dual citizenship in France, which she blames for encouraging immigration and weakening French values. While several UMP members have endorsed her stance, Guéant has stopped short of calling for a ban on dual nationality, largely because of the legal difficulties such a move would entail.
But the interior minister has taken a hard line on immigration, announcing plans to reduce the number of legal immigrants coming to France annually from 200,000 to 180,000 and calling for those convicted of felony to be expelled from the country.
François Hollande, the Socialist Party’s candidate in forthcoming presidential elections, described Guéant’s stance as “the election strategy of a right wing ready to do anything in order to hold on to power”, adding that his own party would tackle all criminals “irrespective of their nationality”.
Under further proposals put forward by the ruling UMP party, non-French children who would normally be naturalised at the age of 18 (those who are born in the country and have spent most of their childhood there) would instead have to formally apply to the state.
Should Sarkozy and his party secure a second term in 2012, analysts predict a return to an immigration stance that hasn’t been seen in France for almost two decades. They point to a case of déjà vu: in 1993 Charles Pasqua, then France’s interior minister, coined the slogan “zero immigration” and introduced a bill that made it virtually impossible for children born in France to non-French parents to be naturalised.
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Comments (123)
French Citizenship
I come from the French part of Louisiana. In 1803, the French people there were sold to America. The people there continue to speak French and live a French life, but they cannot be dual citizens of France, though their ancestors arrived to serve France before France sold them to the Americans. I consider myself to be American and French, but France apparently doesn't want people like me. Yes, I speak French.
immigration rule
when white people emigrate to this days known USA and australia indian people didn't ask them to learn their language and culture why french asking for now nonsense?immigrant should do the same thing in france what white people do in usa and australia kill them all change the language simple
Brittany
France also has native speakers of languages that are not French but that have emerged from France. Brittany is the place I am thinking of. Please do not allow your Celtic languages to die.
French pride and nationalism ought to take proactive steps please to ensure that 'first language' status applies also to Brittany as a major emphasis and priority also and for all time, and that all your native indigenous languages and culture are promoted strongly in all the facets and feeling that they well deserve.
hongkongese are the shame of
hongkongese are the shame of the world.
Good
If they did this in the US and UK, there would be virtually no immigration.
france makes it harder to become french
Well Done!!
I wish our Australian politicians would take note of this stance!
Immigrants here whom haven't assimilated are destroying our values and culture daily. Rick (Sydney, Australia)
obviously france cannot be
obviously france cannot be expected to have the same immigration policies as the usa
quite simply because it is the size of texas
how many people do you think can fit comfortably
the usa is 20x bigger atleast and has only 5x the population
western europe is too crowded
let ukraine and russia take more immigrants
Vive la France
A country's culture is always changing; look at the number of curry restaurants in England. I'm from a multicultural country (Canada) and I've seen the country become much more welcoming to non-European immigration and culture over the past 50 years. Expecting newcomers to speak the language(s) of a country and know something of it's history and culture before becoming a citizen doesn't appear excessive to me, unless the aim is to exclude a certain group i.e. racism. One of the comments above began 'Not sure why anyone would want to become French' and I'd like to answer the question .. a beautiful country, great food and wine, beautiful women, thousands of years of history plus art, music and a Joie de vivre unmatched in the world. Vive la France!
I live in France but I'm not sure I'd speak French well enough
I'm an anglophone and live in France. It is a great place and I would be proud to be a citizen, not least for the right to participate in the democratic process here. I greatly admire the society here and would have no problem from the cultural aspects of these citizenship changes.
However English is my mother tongue, and that of my wife so that's what we speak at home. We're both learning as much as we can but it's not easy. We come from one of those countries where it's extremely rare to speak any other language. I can understand French (mostly) on TV and radio, and at some meetings at work are not in English, but currently have to express myself in English (as well as having an awful accent in French apparently). I'm a few years away from even qualifying for citizenship but wonder whether I'd achieve the required level even given those years.
France Clearly Sees What America Has Forgotten
There is no purpose or logic in visiting France and having to experience non-French culture, history and social standards. I genuinely applaud and envy France for not diving into the bottomless pit of cultural fragmentation and ethnic pandering. Globalization is one thing, social equality is even better, but national and cultural fragmentation is something very different and divisive. No immigrant stays in France beyond one year as if they are on a permanent vacation. Therefore accepting and learning the language, cultural standards and history of the French people goes to the heart of successfully living in France, as well as becoming a genuine French citizen. Doing anything less is culturally fraudulent and socially divisive, as well as a form of immigrant arrogance. Unfortunately for America and Britain, social fragmentation will never heal because, with increasing numbers of non-integrating non-citizen immigrants, it has become the norm. As U.S. President Abraham Lincoln famously emphasized, regarding social, political and ethnic divisions within a nation, "A house divided against itself cannot stand." France sees the big picture and its future with honesty.
losers abound in here, that's why
all of you are so afraid. the West is doomed, oh well, maybe France or the US of A isn't even worth going to.
Ein volk, Ein Reich, Ein ...
Ein Volk, Ein Reich, Ein ...
One people, One law, One ...
Nazi fascist's Rootless Cosmopolitanism is etymologically identical to our multi-culturalism.
The banning of religious slaughter by Jews (Kosher) was one of the first laws passed by the Nazis & great man of conscience vegan Hitler!
History repeating itself against the latest descendants of Semitic-speaking peoples. Arabic being the most widely spoken Semitic language.
French posturing
This will not affect Muslims, they owe allegiance to their religion, never to a nation, not even the one they came from.
more than 8% unemployment in france
now question is who want to be franch?
Who cares what critics say?
Better the French pander to the far right instead of the far left.
Kudos to France
I wish that the USA would do the same.
Just as it should be. America
Just as it should be. America needs to adopt laws such as this.
Multi-culturalism has failed in America also. Close the Borders now! Enough is Enough! There are to many good reasons to do this to list here...it would take all day.
For once the French are
For once the French are CORRECT. They have a right to fight to preserve their culture and values. The U.S. should be doing more of the same. It is curious though that they do this while pressing the rest of Europe into the 'melting pot' of the Eurozone and becoming subservient to the tyranny of a centralized European government.
Good job France! They should
Good job France! They should that to Greece and everyother country! Countries shouldn't give opportunities to people that don't like the laws and the customs of the country that wants to live in.
France
I wouldn't care if it was free...No interest in being a frog!
I do not call this pandering
I do not call this pandering to anyone, I call this taking care of one's country and citizens!
No one should be admitted to any country, if they actually have no plans of assimilating or give allegiance to their new country!
If they come to demand laws and rules be changed to suit them, let them go home and reform their own countries!
Please update article
I'd like to know if France allows those in the country illegally to hold jobs, attend public schools, get publicly funded healthcare and public benefits such as food and shelter. What does France do when an illegal is discovered? I have a feeling the USA can learn a lot from France.
sounds good to me
If it is good enough for France, let's do it in the USA the same way.
- Orlando, FL, USA
Being European
In America many liberals desire to be more like Europe. I am guessing they will not pay attention to this change in philosophy.
Finally, something french I like besides the wine women and food!
It makes me wonder what the French know that we don't...
Not sure why anyone would want to become French, but I agree with and respect the requirements they have put in place for naturalization. By reducing the naturalization process to an administrative process as we have done here in the USA, we have cheapened, downgraded and marginalized the honor and privilege it is to be an American. Our system which is largely driven by administrative rules derived by bureaucrats and court decisions are responsible for these changes.
Its hard for me to say this, but the French have it 100% right. With citizenship comes a level of responsibility that accompany those rights and privileges. It used to be that people came to America to be Americans, to live the American dream and find a better life for themselves and their family. Today, it seems like it's for a hand out and free ride on Uncle Sam.
As a country we are way to willing to accommodate those living within our borders and compromise who we are for the sake of political correctness. Our language IS English, NOT Spanish, Chinese or any other language. We dress as Americans, NOT in a burka, hajib or robe or some other ridiculous foreign style. And finally, we act and live as Americans. We honor our flag, our constitution, our traditions and our Judeao-Christian heritage. We are the great melting pot for those who choose us, but you must also choose our ways and become us in all ways.
It makes me wonder what the French know that we don't...
Good for France
At last, some sense in immigration for citizenship. Now..maybe USA will follow?
France for the FRENCH
Is there are more important culture to save?
America is lost to the animals we brought to pick our fruits and cotton. France should see the writing on the wall.
French citizenship
France is not making it harder to become a French citizen. France is saying that if you don't want to assimilate into French culture, or even worse, if you want to bring your home culture to France, then you have no business obtaining French citizenship.
What do American Liberal think of Europe now?
Liberal in American are always pointing to Europe as "more civilized" than us "cowbows" what are do they think about this?
Note: I support France 100%
How Dare They!
What, some French dare think that to be "French" should mean to speak French, understand French history, language and law that helped shape their language, culture and boarders? How preposterous: why we live in an International world now everyone knows it, Obummer's wife told us all that American history would change under his administration, it follows the mandate of John Lennon, I thought everyone was on board with that, Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too Imagine all the people
Living life in peace And the world will be as one Imagine no possessions:
I wonder if you can, but don't look at me though, to USA from the English Tax I ran! No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man Imagine all the people Sharing all the world...
And the world will live as one!
France
Excellent! Viva Le France!
People everywhere are proud
People everywhere are proud of the culture and society that has been handed down to them over the centuries. That diversity is what makes this bizzare little planet amazing. Fortunately for millions of people, there are a handful of countries that people flock to bacause of the other handful (2-3 hanfuls?)of countries that offer them a life we wouldn't subject our dog to.
No people should be expected to mute their own heritage and identity in deference to others. That is what is occurring in France and in other countries of Europe, as well as, to perhaps a lesser extent in the US. I don't necessarily expect assimilation. However, those calling a new country home should have a respect and knowledge of their hosts language and culture. Otherwise, you will simply not be given the same courtesy, at some point. Whether it takes 1 or 100 years. People will defend their identities.
It appears the people of France may be making that expectation known.
I would.
France is for France
This is not right wing.Its nationalism. I congratulate the French for this.
Good for France
I expect the French to be French. Oui!
Pitch this idea to obama PLEASE!!
This is what conservatives have been asking for in the United States for a long time. We need these laws and regulations here!!
France makes it harderto become French
This law has been a long time in coming. But it should be applied equally, with regard to all FOREIGNERS. That of course also means that the Kebecois who are a Metis people and have falsely claimed to being French for some 250 years should be made to understand that their lanaguage of JOUAL is NOT French and that they are not French, nor have any claim to being so, now or ever.
Becoming French
I would contend that you can BE French or you can become a citizen of France, but you cannot BECOME French.
wow
that is sooooooooooooo UNAMERICAN........
good for france! i wish we in
good for france! i wish we in the usa would adopt similar immigration requirements.
wow
That is soooooooooo unAmerican it is unbelievable!!!!
The language
Requiring French citizens to know how to speak French is pandering to the far right? lol Most of the country must be "Far Right" then...
Left-wing lunacy
This article was obviously written by a radical left-winger. Only those scumbags could associate 'language tests and allegiance to “French values”' as a far-right ploy.
French Citizensip
This is a good step. Have ONLY those who are committed to French values; not any who are hell-bent on destroying the nation.
Where are the French-loving lefties?
For decades whenever the super-lefties were unhappy they threatened to run off to France, where will they go now? I know, Cuba.
Change the headline to "USA
Change the headline to "USA makes it harder to become American" and the "world community" would be raising holy h-e-double-hockey-sticks.
Good for France. For once they refuse to surrender!
The French are wise. Good for them!
Interesting
It's interesting to note that Americans who want EXISTING immigration law (which is VERY librally drawn, allowing, for example, automatic citizenship for anyone born on U.S. soil, including embassies) enforced are branded haters and racists. Efforts to make English the official language are similarly vilified. So, kudos to France for not wanting it's national character destroyed!
Automatic Citizenship- No!
The French are finally starting to wake up and do what is needed to protect its language and culture. This is not an unreasonable step- if you want to become a French national, you should BECOME French. I only wish the rest of the Western nations, to include America, had the balls to adopt similar legislation.
French make it harder
Good for them. This should have been done 20 years ago. Would never happen in the USA. If you have an Arab name, you're in. No questions asks.
Vive la France
Mr. Sarkozy is a wise man, and vive la France!
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