A new law is planned for early 2025, and the French government is aiming for considerable adjustments in immigration. In a recent interview with BFMTV, spokesperson Maud Bregeon disclosed the plan and highlighted significant steps to handle the nation's evolving security environment.

This comes after the most recent immigration bill, which was enacted in January 2024 despite strong opposition from members of President Macron's alliance and the Parliament.

Extending Detention Period for Migrants

The proposed bill includes a noteworthy provision that extends the term of detention for undocumented migrants who are deemed to constitute a security risk. Under the new legislation, the 90-day maximum would rise to 210 days. Bregeon stressed that this adjustment is required to address the escalating problems brought on by security threats.

"We must adapt to the changing security challenges," she said, adding that the administration is not ruling out the possibility of implementing new requirements. Bruno Retailleau, the interior minister, favors this tougher stance, which the administration believes is necessary to safeguard public safety.

In support of Retailleau's strict stance, Bregeon stated that "there should be no taboos" when protecting national security. She made it apparent that the administration is committed to moving forward despite resistance from both the inside and the outside.

Limiting Regularization for Undocumented Migrants

A major feature of the proposed bill is the strict enforcement of regularization regulations for unauthorized immigrants. This would especially affect family cases since the government intends to restrict who can apply for regularization. The goal is to connect the new law with more right-wing viewpoints by making it more difficult for undocumented migrants to get legal status.

Additionally, the government intends to review provisions of the previous immigration law that the Constitutional Council rejected. According to Bregeon, this attempts to align the bill more closely with right-wing ideas that support more stringent immigration regulations.

Political Landscape and Challenges

Due to the planned law, there are already worries about new splits in Parliament. Just a year ago, the 2024 immigration bill was passed, and it caused significant division in Macron's government. It was only approved after the National Rally (RN) withdrew from voting, which resulted in the resignation of Health Minister Aurélien Rousseau.

Marine Le Pen's RN is renowned for taking an unyielding position on immigration. However, Bregeon clarified that the government will not actively pursue RN support for the new legislation. Rather, they will interact with several parliamentary committees to get a wide agreement.

Notwithstanding internal obstacles, the impending measure demonstrates the government's resolve to strengthen immigration regulations. Bruno Retailleau, the Minister of Public Safety, will not face any consequences, Bregeon emphasized, for his proposals to impose stricter measures. Early in 2025, the administration hopes to implement these adjustments, which it views as a necessary reaction to changing security threats.

FAQS

For what reason is the French government keeping undocumented migrants in detention longer?

The French government claims that prolongation is required because security threats are changing. If a migrant is considered a security risk, their detention period will be extended to give authorities more time to manage these situations efficiently.

How will the immigration law of 2025 affect the political climate in France?

The new immigration law is likely to widen rifts in Parliament, especially in President Macron's alliance. Stricter laws may lead to conflicts similar to those in the 2024 bill, which resulted in the resignation of a prominent health minister.