FRANCE: Iraqi Christians hurt in church attack arrive in France

Thirty-four Iraqi Christians and a Muslim guard hurt in last week’s al Qaeda attack on a Baghdad church arrived in Paris late Monday. French Immigration Minister Eric Besson said it was in France’s “tradition of asylum” to offer them treatment. Read More

FRANCE: New immigration policies will reflect EU law, minister says

France will incorporate EU laws on migration in its new immigration policies, Immigration Minister Eric Besson said on Wednesday, after Brussels raised stringent objections to the expulsion of hundreds of illegal Roma migrants from France. Read More

FRANCE: Parliament debates contentious immigration bill

France’s lower house of parliament, the National Assembly, Tuesday debated a bill proposed by French Immigration Minister Eric Besson (photo) that would strengthen the government’s hand against immigrant and travelling communities. Read More

FRANCE: Government document cites French effort to target Roma

A letter from France’s Interior Ministry published in the French press mentions Roma as the prime targets of a campaign to dismantle illegal camps, contradicting prior declarations from Immigration Minister Eric Besson. Read More

EUROPEAN UNION: French ministers defend Roma evictions

France’s Immigration Minister Eric Besson (pictured) and European Affairs Minister Pierre Lellouche defended France’s tough policy towards Roma people in Brussels Tuesday as the European Commission voiced concerns. Read More

EUROPEAN UNION: France defends Roma explusions in Brussels

France’s Immigration Minister Eric Besson (pictured) and European Affairs Minister Pierre Lellouche defended France’s tough policy towards Roma people in Brussels Tuesday as European Commission voiced concerns. Read More

EUROPEAN UNION: EC asks France to explain Roma explusions

France’s Immigration Minister Eric Besson (pictured) and European Affairs Minister Pierre Lellouche are due in Brussels on Tuesday to answer to European Commission concerns over France’s tough policy towards Roma people. Read More

FRANCE: Government moves to further tighten immigration laws

French Immigration Minister Eric Besson (pictured) has unveiled a bill to toughen immigration rules and penalties against those employing foreigners without work permits. It is the sixth time since 2002 that France has tried to tighten such laws. Read More