after the vote on the immigration bill in France, the indignation of NGOs

5 mins

A text ” strong and firm » for Gérald Darmanin, Minister of the Interior. But also ” the most regressive in 40 years for the rights and living conditions of foreigners in France », denounce the migrant aid associations after the final vote by Parliament on the immigration law, Tuesday December 19. After 18 months of twists and turns around this flammable bill, The national assembly voted for it with 349 votes for and 186 votes against, out of 573 voters.

Read alsoWhat the immigration bill adopted in Parliament contains

A parliamentary victory for Emmanuel Macron, but which at the same time opens a deep divide within his majority, part of which turned away from a text supported at the last minute by the National Rally. While a council of ministers is planned for this Wednesday, Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne has “ the feeling of duty accomplished », she rejoiced on France Inter this Wednesday morning.

A law ” contrary to the principles of solidarity and fraternity »

On the side of NGOs and organizations supporting migrants, on the other hand, indignation dominates. The Federation of Solidarity Actors, which brings together more than 900 associations, announced on Wednesday that it was taking the necessary steps to have the measures of the immigration law examined by the Constitutional Council, “ contrary to the fundamental principles of solidarity and fraternity inseparable from our Republic », She indicates in a press release.

At the same time, Élisabeth Borne recognized on France Inter that certain measures of the text are precisely contrary to the Constitution, and she did not exclude having to “ to come back » on certain measures, such as personalized housing assistance or deposits for foreign students.

For the Federation of Solidarity Actors, the immigration bill “ does not provide any element of control over the reception and integration of foreigners ” but ” a unleashing of measures which will weigh heavily on foreigners in precarious circumstances ” And ” the conditions of action ” associations. These measures will also weigh “ on public order and on the strength of our society and our economy », They add.

The associations say: seriously concerned ” For ” respect for the principles of solidarity and in particular unconditionality, the situation of people and the conditions for the fight against poverty » by speakers « already weakened “.

A situation ” frightening » for associations

Before the vote on the law on Tuesday, around fifty NGOs had signed a forum to denounce the step backwards that this text represents according to them. For Pierre Henry, president of the France Fraternités association, this law as it was adopted is in total disagreement with the values ​​of the French Republic based on solidarity.

“ When a text proposes national preference or national priority, for example for the payment of a certain number of non-contributory social benefits, we break with an old tradition of equality anchored in this country. When we propose the end of land rights for a certain number of young people, when we propose to penalize illegal stay, when in reality we refuse to accept the principle of regularization of a certain number of people who are on the French soil for a long time, who work in difficult professions, in catering, cleaning, for example on the construction sites of the Olympic Games, there is something which is clearly no longer right. The government has put itself in the ideological hand of the National Rally. This situation is appalling », he blurted into the microphone of Lucile Gimberg.

A speech ” stigmatization and rejection of migrants »

Same story for Fanélie Carrey-Conte, general secretary of Cimade, an association for the defense of refugees and migrants. She denounces ” a shift away from republican principles » with this text.

“ For us, what happened there is a terrible shift outside the scope of our humanity, because we think of the thousand foreign people who will find themselves, many of them, precarious, in the illegality, deprived of unconditional access to care and social benefits. And all of this will have consequences on their lives, but also on the way in which they will be viewed because what will also remain of this debate is all the discourse that accompanied it, of stigmatization, of rejection of people migrants, foreign people. And that is extremely dangerous », she regrets.

Similarly, Pierre Baudouin, president of the Human Rights League (LDH), deplores a “ day of shame » for France, and is outraged by the image that this law reflects of the country. “ There was no need for a text on immigration. There is already a whole arsenal of legislation that can be used. Our country has been bogged down for months and months in this absolutely deleterious discussion which constantly points to foreigners as being the ones to be wary of. This law is situated in a largely xenophobic context. It is a sad day and a shameful day for France. Here, I speak on RFI. Compared to our friends outside French territory, in the Maghreb, in Africa, on other continents… What image are we giving of France? What has just happened is absolutely detestable, harmful. It’s a day of shame “, he insists.

Read alsoImmigration law: “tremors” within the majority, recognizes the spokesperson for Renaissance deputies

(And with AFP)