New legislation to limit immigration to France

Key points of a bill making its way through parliament: Create a renewable, three-year work permit for highly skilled foreigners. Do away with a provision that allows foreigners who have been in the country for more than 10 years even those here illegally to apply for French citizenship.

Photo: New legislation to limit immigration to France

New legislation to limit immigration to France

Require the government to submit to parliament an annual report specifying the number and kind of residency permits to be authorized over a three year period. Although the draft bill avoids using the word 'quotas,' critics say the provision amounts to a quota-system.

Stiffen requirements on foreigners requesting to bring family members to France , requiring them to show their salary alone and not government assistance would suffice to support their families. Double the current two-year period foreigners married to French nationals must wait before applying for French citizenship.

Require foreigners applying for long-term residency permits to attend French language and civics classes. Make obtaining 10-year-residency permits contingent on speaking French and respecting of the "values of the French republic", reports the AP.

N.U.