President Emmanuel Macron’s Policy against Illegal Immigration
Photo: Reuters
As the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, has been a significant player in the European political arena. Since his election in 2017, one of the key areas of his policy focus has been on immigration and, more specifically, illegal immigration. This is an issue with profound socioeconomic implications, and it has been a linchpin of his administration’s domestic and foreign policy agenda. Macron’s policy on illegal immigration takes a multifaceted approach, with a strong focus on border control, asylum reform, and integration programs. The primary rationale behind these policies is to uphold the rule of law, preserve national security, and maintain France’s humanitarian obligations towards refugees. A significant portion of Macron’s illegal immigration policy involves strengthening France’s border controls. This effort has been in line with his vision of a “Europe that protects”, where the external borders of the Schengen Zone are effectively managed to stop illegal entries. Macron’s administration has been keen on working with its European counterparts to increase resources and manpower for Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. Macron’s policy also focuses on reforming the asylum process to make it more efficient and less susceptible to abuse. His administration has sought to reduce the processing time for asylum applications and increased the capacity of the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (OFPRA). Furthermore, Macron has pushed for a more European-wide approach to asylum, arguing for a common asylum procedure and uniform standards for protection across the EU.
Macron’s policy against illegal immigration also involves a strong emphasis on integration programs for those who have the right to stay in France. The aim is to facilitate the social and economic integration of immigrants, reducing the potential for social tension or alienation. This includes language and cultural orientation courses, as well as initiatives to help immigrants find employment. A more controversial aspect of Macron’s immigration policy has been the increased deportations of individuals who are in the country illegally. Macron’s administration has ramped up the removal of failed asylum seekers and people without legal status. This policy has drawn criticism from human rights groups, but Macron has maintained that it is a necessary measure to uphold the rule of law and safeguard national security. Macron’s administration has also sought to address the root causes of illegal immigration by promoting development and stability in migrants’ countries of origin, particularly in Africa. Macron has called for increased European investment in these countries and a more comprehensive approach to development aid, tackling issues like governance, education, and climate change that drive migration. President Macron’s stance on illegal immigration is a balanced approach between maintaining France’s humanitarian commitments and ensuring the country’s security. The policy constitutes a comprehensive strategy involving improved border controls, asylum process reform, integration programs for legal immigrants, and increased international cooperation. However, his approach has not been without controversy, particularly regarding the increased deportations of illegal immigrants. While the effectiveness and impact of these policies continue to be debated, they represent Macron’s commitment to manage the complex and highly sensitive issue of illegal immigration.
By Paul Bumman
