Nigeria France Enforces Tougher Immigration Laws, Bans Family Reunion for Nigerian Students

Image Credit: European Union

In a significant development, the French parliament has passed legislation imposing stringent immigration measures, particularly affecting Nigerian students and others. The revised policy, supported by President Emmanuel Macron's centrist Renaissance party and Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally, aims to tighten controls on family reunion, limit migrants' access to welfare benefits, and prohibit the detention of minors in centers.

Notably, a contentious aspect of the law introduces a distinction between citizens and migrants, even those residing legally in France, impacting their eligibility for benefits. While the amended version gained approval, leaders from a third of France's regions openly rejected key legislative measures, highlighting the divisive nature of the policy.

Right-wing parties championed the tougher version, considering it a triumph. Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally, lauded it as an "ideological victory," while Eric Ciotti of the Republican Party hailed the bill as "firm and courageous."

Conversely, left-wing critics, including Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure, accused Macron of aiding the far-right and cautioned against betraying ideological convictions. The legislation's passage reflects the ongoing debate on immigration policies in France, with implications for migrants, citizens, and diplomatic relations.