Controversy about DNA tests for immigrants in France
I chose to introduce an article about one of the most controversial issues these last days in France.
It is about one of the amendments to a bill on immigration introduced by Brice Hortefeux, the Secretary of Immigration. Indeed during the election campaign immigration issues were a very important part of discussions. One of the main points of Nicolas Sarkozy's government agenda was to 'control' immigration.
If outside the ranks of the UMP, the current majority party, some centrist and left-wing politicians are generally opposed to this bill, what mainly raised the controversy is the amendment on DNA tests. It says that immigrants could be asked to do DNA tests if they want to come to France claiming to join kin who already live in France. It is said that there are many frauds right now and that such tests could solve the problem.
On Wednesday 3, the Senate authorized the use of DNA tests though the amendment was slightly altered (now the DNA tests will be paid by government and not by individuals) However, since then, the controversy hasn't stopped, and some politicians (including some right-wing politicians, namely former Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin and left-wing politicians belonging to the government) as well as intellectuals have spoken against what they think is a shameful amendment. They believe it contrary to French Republican values and traditions.
On October 7, the National Council on Ethics also came down against the amendment and national petitions have been signed by thousands of people already. However, unless the government reconsiders its position, the bill should be ratified. If it is, the Socialist Party's leader François Hollande promised to appeal to the Constitutional Council.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, October 9, a museum on the history of immigration opened in Paris. The initiator of the project is former French president, Jacques Chirac. The idea was to create a place where people could learn more about the history of immigration in France and thus be reminded of the -sometimes unfortunately overlooked- role immigrants have played in the country.
Source:DNA