Posted on 05/21/2007 5:02:22 PM PDT by July 4th
France's minister of immigration and national identity, a new ministry created by President Nicolas Sarkozy, has ruled out legalizing undocumented immigrants en masse.
The new ministry said today that government policy would be dictated by firmness and pragmatism.
"We have to put aside massive legalization. It doesn't work and it penalizes, even immigrants," Brice Hortefeux said on Europe 1 radio.
Policy, he said, would be guided by "firmness and humanism" with "lots of pragmatism."
He also said he planned to adhere to the policy of deporting illegal immigrants from France. The number of deportees was expected to reach some 25,000 this year, and Hortefeux said he would ensure that figure is reached.
Hortefeux, a longtime confidant of Sarkozy, was among those named to the new government on Friday.
The conservative Sarkozy, elected president May 6, had reached out to the anti-immigration far right to capture votes, notably ruffling some feathers in his own camp with his promise to create a ministry of immigration and national identity.
Hortefeux said he planned to meet shortly with officials from sectors like the building and hotel and restaurant industries, known to rely heavily on immigrants.
Hortefeux also said he would not put into question a long-standing policy of "family grouping," by which immigrants in France can bring their families here.
However, he indicated, as Sarkozy had, that modifications may be made in order to ensure that those who join other family members in France can be integrated.
"It must be carried out in respect for the dignity of those who want to come and (in a way) that favors their integration," he said.
Sarkozy had said he wants to ensure that those who join families in France can speak French and that family members receiving them can support the newcomers.
Can we trade Presidents?
Why do our politicians (president included) want 12-20 million immigrants in this country, why? Why? Why? They know most Americans don’t.
Some years ago an AF buddy and I took a First Class sleeper train from Madrid to Paris. We got a nice room on Raspiel Street before roaming around that city. We ended up at a restaurant that had steamed scallops, crabs, and a whole bunch of other expensive things on ice. That was worth it with white wine on the side of a street. Talking loudly in English. We caught the next train to Utrecht and went farther north later. That’s the best fun I ever had. The sweethearts there learned to be careful around American guys:)
The American people have lost control of their government. I think it is time for a revolution.
Unbelieveable.
The French have a better grasp of the consequences than we do.
That’s something I never though I would say.
We are now laughing at you silly Americans.
Exactly.
Maybe all those Muslims will come here now... lucky us !
France got it right. Patriots we got it right too.
A big 'oui' on that and French fries are solidly back on the menu!
Moi aussi, FRiend!
thanks Cincinna.
“in terms of illegal immigration, WE are the cheese-eating surrender monkeys.”
Yup.
‘Yep, no more French-bashing from me’
Merci
Toi aussi? (re: ‘wish you were here’)
Ou est-ce que tu est?
Est-ce qu’il y a un group de Freepers à Paris? Je ne suis pas au courant!
Hmmmm I speak American English, Redneckus Americanus, Jive, a little Spanish, some Navajo, but alas, I never learned French. But I do a good imitation of Charles Boyer-ah: Hooonnnon000nah!
Oh, I used to do French with Vicomte13.
I see he’s been banned! Wassup with that?
Sarah
Hi,
What happened with Vicomte13?
Haven’t been able to find out. It’s a fichue honte though.
He was one of my favorite posters and I’ll miss him.
I admired his depth of knowledge and his ability to produce posts of substance with seeming ease.
Didn’t always agree with him but he always made me think
and I sometimes found, what I thought I knew was more cliche than fact.
I’ve heard he’s going to be blogging. If I find out more I’ll let you know.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.