France set to further tighten up anti-immigration laws

The new bill introduced by the left – wing government in France clamping down on foreign immigration has been vehemently castigated by several French associations for the defense of migrants’ rights.

The latter considered that the French left who had earlier protested against the amendments to the immigration law brought by the former Sarkozy government were now following the same procedures aimed at drastically curtailing the presence of foreign migrants on French soil.

According to Mrs Belaiche, a manager of the Simad migrants’ association, it is patently clear that the left – wing government is intent on imposing more stringent controls on the country’s borders so as to slash in a significant way the number of incoming migrants seeking a decent life in the western hemisphere because of dire socio-economic conditions in their own less fortunate countries.

A large number of undocumented Algerian migrants, along of others from other countries who have so far not succeeded in securing a bona-fide residence permit in France, are feared to be directly affected by the new restrictive immigration laws and could be forcibly deported at any time way back to their home countries.

According to the new procedures, these hapless undocumented migrants will now be given 7 days to leave French territory; otherwise they will face forcible expulsion.

Under the terms of the proposed law, anyone caught employing illegal immigrants will face up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of 15,000 euros ($20,140).

Amongst the measures was a move to increase the time illegal immigrants can be held in detention to 45 days from 32, after which the authorities have to make a decision on whether to expel them or further investigate their request for a much elusive asylum.