Paris, December 20 (Xinhua) -- France's Macron said on the 20th that the newly passed immigration bill is the "shield" that France needs to protect the country.
The French Senate (upper house of parliament) and the National Assembly (lower house of parliament) passed a new draft immigration law on the evening of the 19th, stipulating stricter measures for the management of foreign immigration. The new law makes it more difficult for foreigners to enjoy some social benefits such as family and housing, limits the number of immigrants who can be brought in the next three years, raises the threshold for naturalization in some aspects, writes illegal residence into the criminal law, and makes it more difficult for foreigners to apply for medical treatment and residence.
Macron said on the evening of the 20th when talking about the new immigration bill that France is indeed facing immigration problems, and it is necessary to "improve the situation from reality". At the same time, he said that although the immigration law is "stricter", France will continue to accept migrants.
The passage of the new immigration bill has attracted much attention and caused controversy in France. The main promoter of the bill, French Interior Minister Darmanin, posted on social ** on the evening of the 19th that this "strong and resolute" bill will help foreigners better integrate into French society, and foreigners who violate the law and commit crimes will be expelled. The far-right party Perikatan Nasional expressed support for the bill. But France's Minister of Health and Disease Prevention, Aurélien Russo, who is often seen as a leftist, has announced his resignation to take the bill.
French spokesman Olivier Verand said on the 20th that the new immigration bill has been submitted to the French Constitutional Council for constitutional review. He said that the issue of migration has always caused divisions in France, and that a compromise solution of unity, effectiveness and justice should be found.
In accordance with the procedure, the immigration bill will be submitted for promulgation after being reviewed by the Constitutional Council. (ENDS).