The French parliament has approved a controversial immigration bill aimed at enhancing the country’s ability to deport undesirable foreigners, after receiving support from the far-right, Associated Press reports.
Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne and Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin defended the bill, approved in the National Assembly with a 349-186 vote, emphasizing its perceived necessity for tackling foreign offenders.
The legislation follows a compromise between President Macron’s centrist majority and the conservative party, and includes provisions to reduce the number of migrants coming to France and their access to social benefits, leading to accusations of a rightward shift.
Critics, including leftist politicians and advocacy groups, argue the bill threatens migrant rights, while the far-right sees it as an ideological victory.
