Hundreds of migrants and refugees took to the streets of Paris on Monday to voice their opposition to a proposed immigration bill that includes stricter deportation measures. The protest coincided with the National Assembly’s review of the bill.
Footage shows protesters marching while holding flags and banners reading against ‘Darmanin law,’ named after France’s interior minister, Gerald Darmanin, such as: ‘Stop the immigration law,’ ‘I am someone,’ and ‘Fraternal revolution,’ among others.
Abubakar, an activist for undocumented workers, highlighted the problematic narrative perpetuated by the bill, stating that it implies ‘Immigrant = delinquent,’ disregarding the reality that immigrants often perform the most demanding and underpaid jobs in the country.
“There’s no need for yet another law because this bill is based on a single idea, built on the fantasies of the far right, and we don’t want it,” he added.
The proposed legislation aims to expedite asylum procedures, address delays in the appeals process, and impede family reunification. However, critics argue that it will make the process of obtaining legal status in France more complicated for migrants and lead to an increase in deportations.
(Source: AFP)
