heated debate in the Assembly around the asylum-immigration bill

In the spotlight very turbulent week ahead for the government

The government presented to the deputies the main lines of the asylum-immigration bill that it is preparing for the beginning of 2023. Regularization of undocumented migrants who work in sectors in tension, expulsion of foreign offenders, reform of the asylum system… A a text that the government wants to be “balanced” but which has not really convinced the opposition.

In front of deputies who are waiting for her at the turn, the Prime Minister presented the spirit of asylum-immigration bill. A kind of ” at the same time ” of immigration. ” We remain faithful to our values ​​and our desire to integrate, but we can only integrate with dignity if our rights are firmly respected. “, she said.

Too many specifically French rules prevent deporting criminals “strangers present” on our floor “, added the Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, who came to defend his project. Also present in the hemicycle, the Minister of Labour, Olivier Dussopt, wished him “ rehabilitating work as a factor of integration “.

But in the ranks of the hemicycle, Elisabeth Borne convinced neither the right nor the left. On the side of the National Rally, Marine Le Pen denounced a manipulation of figures, brought out her concept of submersion and opposed any regularization. ” We have nothing more to share than economic and social difficulties, security problems and threats of conflagration,” she was indignant. And to add: I still prefer assertive immigrationists like our colleagues from rebellious France “.

So have the courage to treat these people with dignity.”

The message was well received in the rebellious ranks, in particular by the leader of the group, Mathilde Panot. She immediately unleashed her blows against the far right: “ Contrary to your xenophobic rantings, France is one of the countries in Western Europe where immigration is among the lowest. “. Before attacking the government’s project in turn. ” So have the courage to treat these people with dignity. Tell Mr. Darmanin to stop the outrageous criminalization of these associations which just give food and drink to exiles in Calais “, she launched for the head of government and the Renaissance group.

The final text must be presented in early 2023 for a review in Parliament in the spring. There are therefore only a few months left to try to reconcile two radically opposed visions of immigration.

► To read also: France: the government is preparing the ground before the asylum-immigration bill

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