The Rush for Legal Status in France

Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy, reacting to protests against the deportation of families with school-aged children, instructed police chiefs to grant residency papers to families who fulfill certain requirements. That move toward leniency blurs his stance on immigration, especially after the French Parliament passed a tough new law proposed by Sarkozy that makes citizenship more challenging for immigrants. Early on, the government expected 750 families to apply. But now, even though the official application deadline for residency permits is not until August, thousands of immigrant families flock to police stations, not wanting to risk a change of heart. Those waiting in the long lines are greeted by police, distributing flyers offering monetary incentives to families who voluntarily leave the country. So far, no immigrants have accepted that offer. – YaleGlobal